Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Paediatric Nursing (PAED)

COLLECTION OF STOOL SPECIMEN FROM A CHILD

Collection of stool sample for laboratory analysis to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions.

Purpose

  • Diagnose infections
  • Identify parasites
  • Detect blood
  • Analyze digestive function

Indications

  • Suspected GI infection
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Parasitic infestation
  • GI bleeding

Equipment

  • Sterile container
  • Tongue depressor
  • Gloves
  • Specimen label
  • Biohazard bag
  • Bedpan or collection device

Preparation

  • Explain to child and caregiver
  • Prepare collection area
  • Have supplies ready

Procedure steps

  • Verify order and explain procedure
  • Perform hand hygiene and don gloves
  • Prepare collection container
  • Collect fresh stool sample
  • Avoid contamination with urine
  • Transfer to container
  • Label specimen
  • Send to lab promptly
  • Document collection

Precautions

  • Use sterile technique
  • Avoid urine contamination
  • Collect adequate amount
  • Maintain chain of custody

Aftercare

  • Clean perineal area
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Perform hand hygiene

Nursing considerations

  • Consider developmental level
  • Use distraction techniques
  • Maintain privacy

Patient education

  • Explain purpose of test
  • Teach proper collection
  • Discuss result timeline

Documentation

  • Date and time of collection
  • Specimen appearance
  • Amount collected
  • Tests ordered

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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