Stool tests

How to prepare

​

For standard tests and faecal occult blood tests

​

• In the 3 days prior to the test, avoid taking:

               - Iron-containing medicines

               - High-dose vitamin C

               - Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)​

​

• Limit your intake of: red meat, sausages, broccoli, turnips, cauliflower and radishes​

​

• Do not collect a sample during your period​

​

• Avoid collecting a sample if you have bleeding haemorrhoids

​

How to collect the sample

​

1. Obtain a sterile container from the laboratory or a pharmacy

2. Collect the sample preferably in the morning

3. Pass a stool into a clean, dry container (do not use the toilet directly)

4. Use the special scoop to take a small amount of stool:

• For solid stools: take samples from several different parts of the stool​

​

• For loose stools: collect the thickest part possible

​

1. Avoid contamination with urine

2. Seal the container tightly

3. Write your first name, surname and the date of collection on the container

​

Sample submission

​

• Morning sample: submit within 2 hours​

​

• Evening sample: store in the fridge (4°C) and submit the following morning​

​

• For stool culture: submit within 2 hours of collection without refrigeration​

​

• Never freeze the sample​

​

• Transport away from light and heat sources

​

Useful information

​

For certain specific tests (parasite screening, intolerance tests), samples may need to be collected on consecutive days. In this case, store each sample separately in the fridge until all samples have been delivered to the laboratory.