Stool specimen collection in pediatrics is the process of obtaining a child’s fecal sample for diagnostic testing. It helps detect infections, parasites, blood, fat malabsorption, or digestive disorders. The method varies by age and clinical need, with a strong emphasis on hygiene and minimizing contamination.
Common Indications
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Detect gastrointestinal infections | Bacterial, viral, or parasitic pathogens |
| Screen for occult blood | Suspected GI bleeding or anemia |
| Evaluate digestive function | Fat malabsorption, enzyme deficiencies |
| Monitor chronic conditions | Inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies |
Preparation for Stool specimen collection
- Explain the parents and the child (as appropriate) the need for collecting stool specimen.
- Provide privacy in the case of older children
Procedure
Put on the gloves
- For older children:
- Patients can collect the specimen by passing feces into plastic wrap stretched loosely over the toilet bowl.
- A portion of the sample is then transferred into the supplied container with the help of a spatula.
- For younger children and infants:
- The diaper should be lined with plastic wrap.
- A urine bag can be attached to the child to ensure that stool specimen is not contaminated with urine.
Aftercare
- The child should be made clean and comfortable.
- All contents of kit, towels, plastic wrap, and gloves should be disposed of in appropriate containers.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Speed in testing the sample is essential, in order to obtain the accurate result.
Therefore, the specimen should be sent for testing as quickly as possible. - Document the procedure: Time of specimen collection, stool color, amount, consistency and odor, the test to be performed, and the skin condition.
General Instructions
- For testing ova and parasites, specimen collection containers that contain chemical preservatives must be used.
- For culture, the best samples are of loose, fresh stool, sometimes, more than one stool will be collected for a culture.
- Swabs from a child’s rectum can also be tested for viruses (occasionally).
- Testing for blood in the stool is often performed with a quick test. First stool is smeared on a card, and then few drops of a developing solution are placed on the card. An instant color shows that blood is present in the stool
Tips for Caregivers
- Reassure the child: Let them know it’s painless and important for their health.
- Use child-friendly language: Say “we need a poop sample to help the doctor understand your tummy.”
- For infants: Line the diaper with plastic wrap to catch stool without urine contamination.
- For older children: Use a toilet hat or stretch plastic wrap under the seat to catch stool before it touches water.
Special Considerations
- For ova and parasite testing, use containers with preservatives.
- For occult blood, avoid red meat and certain medications before collection.
- Document time, consistency, color, and any unusual findings.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Marcia London, Ruth Bindler, Principles of Paediatric Nursing: Caring for Children, 8th Edition, 2023, Pearson Publications, ISBN-13: 9780136859840.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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