How to collect a fecal specimen: for patients

Summary

The AlphaTech stool specimen collection set is designed for collecting and preserving fecal samples for lab diagnosis. It instructs users to handle vials with care, avoid ingesting liquids, and follow specific steps for collecting samples. Users must fill vials without exceeding the fill line, mix contents thoroughly, and label vials with necessary information. After collection, vials should be returned to a physician or laboratory for analysis. In case of accidental exposure, instructions are provided for rinsing and contacting a physician.

Takeaways

• 📚 Read all directions thoroughly before starting the fecal specimen collection.
• ⚠️ Handle fecal collection files with care as they may contain poisonous liquids.
• 🚫 Keep fecal collection files out of reach of children and pets.
• 🚾 Pass the stool directly into the toilet or into the vial without urinating on it.
• 🧼 Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling the specimen.
• 🛍️ Use a clean, dry container like a plastic bag or plate to collect the specimen.
• 🚫 Do not submerge the bag while collecting the stool specimen.
• 🔵 Collect stool from slimy, watery, or bloody areas, or from both ends and the middle if it's hard.
• 💧 Fill vials up to the indicated fill line without passing it.
• 🏷️ Label vials with all requested information and check boxes describing the specimen.
• 🚿 Wash hands thoroughly at the end of the collection process.
• 🏥 Return the vials to your physician or laboratory for examination.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the AlphaTech stool specimen collection set?

The AlphaTech stool specimen collection set is designed to collect fecal specimens and preserve parasites if present for laboratory examination and diagnosis.

What precautions should be taken when handling fecal collection files?

Fecal collection files may contain liquids which are poisonous if ingested. They should be handled with care, kept out of reach of children and pets, and the liquid should not be ingested.

How should the stool specimen be collected?

The specimen should be passed directly into a clean, dry container such as a plastic bag, plate, or bed tape. It should not be mixed with urine or water.

What should be done to prepare for specimen collection using the toilet?

When using the toilet, lift the toilet lid, place a plastic bag inside the bowl, close the lid to secure the edges of the bag, and be careful not to submerge the bag when collecting the stool specimen.

How should the stool specimen be filled into the vials?

Only one vial should be filled at a time, and the cap should be replaced before filling the next one. Do not fill the vials past the fill line indicated on each vial.

What parts of the stool should be collected for the specimen?

Collect small amounts of stool from areas that are slimy, watery, or bloody. If the stool is hard, collect a small amount from both ends as well as the middle of the sample.

How should the vials be handled after collecting the stool specimen?

The file cap should be replaced and tightened to avoid spilling. Repeat the step until all of the vials are filled to the line indicated on the vial.

What should be done with an empty vial included in the collection set?

If an empty vial is included, it should be filled with stool to the point of the fill line, then recapped and set aside.

How should the vials be prepared for submission to the laboratory?

Shake all vials vigorously until the stool specimen and the liquid in the bottle are thoroughly mixed. Fill out the vial labels with all requested information and check the boxes that best describe your specimen.

What should be done if fecal matter or liquid from the vials gets on the skin or in the eyes?

Rinse the area with plenty of water. If any discomfort or irritation develops, contact the physician.

What is the contact number for assistance if fecal matter is ingested?

In the USA or Canada, call 1-855-353-0533. Internationally, call [phone].