b. Important Points.
(1)
Do not confuse hemorrhoidal bleeding with upper gastrointestinal
(2)
Meat-free diet may be ordered 3 days before the test.
4-6.
COLLECTING A STOOL
a. General. Stool specimens are collected and examined for a variety of
reasons including to determine the presence of infection or hemorrhage; to observe the
amount, color, consistency, and presence of fats; and to identify parasites, ova, and
bacteria. The medical nurse collects the feces, labels the specimen appropriately, and
sends the specimen and laboratory request to the laboratory. Stool to be examined for
parasites must be taken immediately to the laboratory in order for parasites to be
examined under the microscope while alive. A stool specimen may also be collected
from a colostomy or ileostomy.
b. Important Points.
(1) The medical specialist must know what type stool specimen is ordered
and how to collect the specimen.
(2) Make certain the patient understands what is expected, and provide
patient safety.
(3) A specimen to be examined for ova and parasites must be taken to the
laboratory while still warm. Other stool specimens may be kept at room temperature.
4-7.
COLLECTING SPUTUM
a. General. Sputum is mucus from the lung. A sputum specimen must come
from deep in the bronchial tree. Expectoration from throat and mouth secretions cannot
be used as a sputum specimen. Early morning is the best time to collect a sputum
specimen because the patient has not yet cleared the respiratory passages. Many tests
can be performed on sputum, such as a culture and sensitivity, cytological examination,
and test for acid-fast bacillus. Some patients cannot expectorate a specimen and must
have a pharyngeal suctioning to obtain sputum. Closed-method collection containers
protect you from contamination from body fluids. The medical specialist explains the
procedure and prepares the patient for the test.
MD0556
4-9