This method is used to test for fat, porphyrins, urobilinogen, nitrogen, and electrolytes.
Observe the Collection and Transport Procedures for All Types of Stool Collection of this chapter.
Collect all stool specimens for 1–3 days. The entire stool should be collected. Some procedures may require 4 days.
Label specimens with day of test (e.g., Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4), time of day collected, patient’s name, and test(s) ordered. It is important to disclose the number of days collected because this information is needed for calculations.
Submit individual specimens to the laboratory as soon as they are collected.
Procedure for Submitting Total Specimens
Observe the Collection and Transport Procedures for All Types of Stool Collection of this chapter.
Obtain a 1-gallon container from the laboratory (a 1-gallon paint tin or covered plastic pail is preferred).
Save all stool and place in the container. Keep refrigerated or in a container with canned ice and replace ice as needed.
Label the specimen with the patient’s name, dates and times of collections, duration of collection time, and test(s) ordered.
Transfer the properly labeled container to the laboratory at the end of the collection period.