Usage of Fecal Collection Kits

Preparation

• Understand the Testing Items: Clearly identify the required testing items. Different tests may have different requirements for samples, such as tests for intestinal parasites, bacterial cultures, virus detection, fecal occult blood tests, and intestinal flora analysis. Corresponding measures should be taken during the collection process accordingly. Some tests may require diet control in advance.
• Cleanliness: Before collecting feces, wash the area around the anus with soap and water to keep it clean and prevent other impurities from mixing with the feces and affecting the test results.
• Prepare Tools: Prepare the fecal collection kit and check if all items are complete. The kit usually includes a collection container, a sampling spoon or swab, disposable gloves, etc. If necessary, there may also be a sample preservation solution.

Collection Process

• Choose an Appropriate Defecation Place: Try to defecate in a clean and hygienic toilet to avoid collecting in the wild or unhygienic environments to reduce the risk of sample contamination.
• Properly Place the Collection Container: Place the outer box of the fecal collection container at the sitting or squatting toilet, ensuring that the collection container is placed stably and the opening is aimed at the anus so that feces can be accurately discharged into the container. At the same time, take care to avoid urine, blood, or other foreign substances mixing with feces.
• Collect Fecal Samples:
  • Using a Sampling Spoon or Swab: Put on disposable gloves, open the collection container, and take out the sampling spoon or swab. If using a sampling spoon, insert it into the feces and select feces from appropriate parts, such as parts with pus, blood, mucus, or abnormal color. If using a swab, gently wipe the surface of feces or parts with abnormalities. Generally, it is recommended to collect fecal samples the size of a soybean to a peanut, or determine the collection amount according to the requirements of the testing item. For example, relatively more samples may be needed for intestinal flora analysis.
  • Multi – point Sampling: To ensure the representativeness of the sample, multi – point sampling can be carried out at different parts of feces. For example, take a little from the surface, inside, and edge of feces respectively, and then mix them together as one sample.

Sample Handling and Preservation

• Put into the Collection Container: Put the collected fecal sample into the collection container. If there is a sample preservation solution in the container, ensure that the sample is completely immersed in the preservation solution to maintain the activity and stability of the sample.
• Seal the Container: Tightly close the lid of the collection container to ensure good sealing and prevent sample leakage and external contamination.
• Mark Information: Stick a label on the collection container, noting the patient’s name, age, gender, collection date, and time, etc., to accurately identify the sample.

Submission for Testing

• Submit for Testing in a Timely Manner: After collecting fecal samples, send them to the laboratory for testing as soon as possible. It is generally recommended to submit within one hour to ensure the accuracy of test results. If it is not possible to submit in a timely manner, preserve the sample according to the requirements of the testing item, such as refrigeration or using specific preservation conditions.
• Pay Attention to Transportation Conditions: During the submission process, protect the sample, avoid severe vibration, high temperature, or direct sunlight to prevent sample damage or deterioration. If long – distance transportation is required, use a special transport box and place refrigeration equipment such as ice packs inside to maintain a low – temperature environment.