How does the nurse obtain a stool sample for occult blood?
Medical aseptic technique should be used during collection of stool specimens. Because 25% of the solid portion of a stool is bacteria from the colon, the nurse should wear disposable gloves when handling specimens. Hand washing is necessary for anyone who might come in contact with specimen. Often the client can obtain the specimen if properly instructed. The nurse explains that feces can not be mixed with urine or water. For this reason the client must defecate into a clean, dry bedpan or special container placed under the toilet seat. Test performed by the laboratory for occult (microscopic) blood require only a small sample. After obtaining the specimen, the nurse labels and tightly seals the container and completes laboratory requisition forms. The nurse records specimen collection in the client’s medical records. A common lab test for occult blood is the Guaiac test done at home or bedside 4) Discuss abnormal coloring of the stool. Color Cause White or Clay / Absence of bile Blac
