[Medical Q&A] How to correctly collect stool samples when a baby has diarrhea?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Huang Lei, deputy chief physician, Fifth Medical Center, PLA General Hospital

When your baby has diarrhea, your doctor may ask you to collect a stool sample to help diagnose the cause. It is important for your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis by collecting stool samples correctly. Here are the specific methods.

1. Prepare containers: The hospital will provide two types of stool specimen boxes. Usually, fresh stool is collected using a stool scoop and placed in a dry, clean container with a lid. If there is an abnormality in the appearance, the abnormal part such as mucus, pus and blood should be retained; if there is no abnormality, the stool sample should be picked from the surface and inside; if it is a watery stool, the hospital will provide a dropper for easy stool collection.

2. Collect samples: When your baby defecates, prepare a container and try to let your baby defecate directly into the container. If there is no suitable container when your baby defecates, you can use a clean plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover the diaper, let your baby defecate on it, and then use a sterile spoon to transfer the stool to the container.

3. Take the appropriate amount: According to the doctor's requirements, generally about 5 ml (about the size of a pea) of stool sample is required. Be careful not to dilute the sample with water, and do not mix it with urine or other impurities!

4. Send stool samples for examination in time: After collecting stool samples, the samples should be sent to the hospital or laboratory as soon as possible (within 1 hour). If samples are collected in winter, they should be kept warm.

5. Notes:

(1) Do not use any absorbent items to collect stool specimens, including but not limited to diapers, toilet paper, and cotton swabs.

(2) Cleanliness and hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after collecting and handling stool samples to prevent cross infection.

(3) Avoid contamination: Try to prevent the sample from coming into contact with diapers, clothing or other items to avoid contamination of the sample.

(4) Seek medical attention promptly: If your baby’s diarrhea is severe or lasts for a long time, you should seek medical attention promptly and follow the doctor’s professional guidance.