Faeces Parasitology

Patient Preparation

Instructions for patient self-collection of faeces sample: PATIENT SELF COLLECTED STOOL

Instructions for faeces sample collection in hospital:

Ask patient to defaecate into a clinically clean bedpan or receiver.

If the patient has been incontinent: a sample may be obtained from bedlinen or pads: try to avoid contamination with urine.

Using the integrated ‘spoon’ in the sample pot lid, scoop enough faecal material to fill a third of the specimen container (or 10–15 mL of liquid stool). Apply specimen container lid securely. 

In cases of suspected tapeworms: segments of tapeworm are easily seen in faeces and should be sent to the laboratory for identification. Label sample and complete microbiology request form (including relevant information such as onset and duration of diarrhoea, fever or recent foreign travel). Dispatch sample to the laboratory as soon as possible or refrigerate at 4–8°C and dispatch within 12 hours.

Sampling instructions for the investigation of threadworm (Enterobius vermicularis):

Perianal specimens are best obtained in the morning before bathing or defecation. Three specimens should be taken on consecutive days before threadworm (pinworm) infection is ruled out.

Perianal swabs should be taken preferentially

• Cotton-wool swab placed in dry container ( eg sterile universal) should be used for collection.
• Spread buttocks apart, and rub a moistened cotton wool swab over the area around the anus, but do not insert into the anus. Place cotton wool swab in a dry container (transport media should not be used). Occasionally, an adult worm may be collected from a patient and sent in saline or water for identification. Label sample, complete microbiology request form and clearly label as perianal swab for Enterobius vermicularis.

(adapted from PHE SMI here)