Collecting Your Stool Test Sample: FIOB Stool Kit

Collecting Your Stool Test Sample: FIOB Stool Kit


Your doctor has ordered a test of a sample of your stool (poop) using the FIOB Stool Kit. You will need to collect a stool sample and deliver it to the lab. Follow these directions to be sure the stool is collected the right way.

Supplies

  • You will need the supplies you were given:
  • Toilet collection hat
  • Sample bottle with sample probe inside
  • Biohazard specimen bag
  • Gloves

Special notes

  • Do not mix any urine with your stool. Urinate into the toilet before placing your collection hat on the toilet.
  • Be sure your stool sample does not touch the toilet. It should only touch the collection hat.
  • Do not put any toilet paper or water in with your stool sample.

Steps to collect your sample

  1. Lift the toilet seat and place the collection hat on the rim of the toilet bowl. Put the seat back down to hold it in place.
  2. When you feel like you are ready to have a bowel movement, sit on the toilet. Pass your stool into the clean collection hat.
  3. Clean yourself as usual. Do not get any toilet paper or water into the collection hat with your stool sample.
  4. Wash your hands well with soap and water, then towel dry.
  5. Put on gloves.
  6. Take out the sample bottle from the bag. Unscrew the lid and set the bottle to the side. Be careful not to spill the liquid inside. Make sure the container is labeled with your name, date of birth, and the time and date you collected your sample.
  7. Using the sample probe, scrape the surface of your fecal matter (stool).
    Image shows test kit probe scraping fecal matter sample area
     
  8. Cover the sample probe completely with the stool sample.
    Image shows test kit probe with fecal matter sample covering the tip
     
  9. Close the sample bottle by inserting the sample probe into the bottle and screwing on the cap tightly (turn cap to the right). Do not open the bottle again.
    Image shows test kit probe going into the sample bottleImage shows test kit probe inside bottle, with arrow showing to screw on cap to the right (clockwise)
     
  10. If any stool is on the outside of the sample bottle, carefully wipe it off.
  11. Put the sample bottle into the biohazard bag and seal it closed.
  12. Flush the rest of the stool down the toilet and throw the collection hat in the trash.
  13. Remove the gloves and throw them in the trash, along with the collection hat. Tie the trash bag closed.
  14. Wash your hands well with soap and water again, and then towel dry.
  15. Deliver the biohazard bag with your stool sample inside to the lab as soon as possible. If you are not able to deliver it right away, keep the biohazard bag with your sample in the refrigerator until you are ready to go to the lab.

Caution

For specimen bottles with the green top: This contains some ingredients which may cause irritation to skin or eyes and can possibly be toxic if swallowed.

  • If this liquid is swallowed, call Poison Control right way at 1-822-222-1222 for more information.
  • If this liquid has contact with skin or eyes, flush with water. If irritation or redness occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for more information.
  • Ingredients of the green top bottle (name of product is “ULTRA EcoFix”) include 15 milliliters (15 mL) of ethanol 25% and methanol 1% (also less than 10% of zinc sulfate, acetic acid, and glycerin).
     

© 2023 – August 29, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, contact the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or health-info@osu.edu.