How to prepare for a stool test

Preparation for stool examination or occult blood test

Stools after enema procedures, suppositories, laxatives, and other medications affecting stool formation are unsuitable for examination.

Stools are collected in special stool collection containers, which can be purchased at pharmacies.
Stools are taken into a container using a spoon from 3-4 places, which is attached to the stool collection lid.
After collecting the stool, the container is closed with a lid.
The patient's name, surname, and sample collection date are written on the container.
Samples are delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours, kept at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.

IMPORTANT: For investigating stool for pinworm eggs, a transparent film and a slide are required.

After a night's sleep, do not defecate or wash.
The transparent film is pressed with the sticky side to the anus.
The film is removed and pressed with the sticky side onto the slide.
The patient's name, surname, and date are written on the slide.
The slide is placed in a special box to avoid sample damage and is delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.

NOTE: It is recommended to repeat the procedure for 3 consecutive mornings to increase the chance of detecting hidden helminthiasis.

Stools should not be collected from patients:

Patient preparation:

No dietary restrictions are necessary;
Do not consume alcohol;
Do not take aspirin, indomethacin, reserpine, stomach-irritating corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 48 hours before the examination day.

Stool collection procedure:

Stools are taken into a container using a spoon from 3-4 places, which is attached to the stool collection lid.
After collecting the stool, the container is closed with a lid.
The patient's name, surname, and sample collection date are written on the container.
Samples are delivered to the laboratory within 24 hours, kept at room temperature (+15...+25) ⁰C.

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