what is a stool sample

A stool sample is a sample of fecal matter that is collected for medical testing purposes. Doctors may order a stool sample to diagnose or rule out a particular health condition, such as an infection or inflammatory bowel disease. The sample is collected in a sterile container provided by a healthcare professional, and it should be fresh to ensure accurate test results. To collect the sample, a person should place something in the toilet to catch the poop, such as a container or plastic wrap, and avoid touching the inside of the toilet to prevent contamination. The sample should be labeled with the persons name, date of birth, and the date of collection. The sample should be handed in as soon as possible, and if it cannot be handed in right away, it should be stored in a sealed plastic bag in the fridge. The laboratory will use the sample to perform various tests, such as a stool culture to detect bacterial infections.