How to nhs stool sample

What is a Stool Sample Test?

A stool sample test, also known as a faecal occult blood test (FOBt) or faecal immunochemical test (FIT), is a common diagnostic procedure used by the NHS to detect hidden blood in your stool. The presence of blood can be an indicator of various gastrointestinal issues, ranging from minor conditions like haemorrhoids to more serious ones such as polyps or bowel cancer. The test is non-invasive and can often be performed in the comfort of your own home.

When Might You Need a Stool Sample?

Your doctor may request a stool sample for several reasons:

• Screening for Bowel Cancer: The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme routinely invites eligible individuals (aged 60-74 in England, with slight variations in other UK nations) to participate. This programme uses a FIT test to detect tiny amounts of blood in stool.
• Investigating Symptoms: If you experience symptoms like persistent changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or rectal bleeding, your GP might ask for a stool sample to help diagnose the cause.
• Detecting Infections: Stool samples are also used to identify infections caused by bacteria (like E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella), viruses (like Norovirus, Rotavirus), or parasites (like Giardia).
• Monitoring Conditions: For individuals with existing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, stool samples might be used to monitor disease activity or check for complications.

How to Collect a Stool Sample for the NHS

Collecting a stool sample at home is straightforward, but it's essential to follow the instructions provided with your specific NHS kit carefully. Here’s a general guide:

1. Receiving Your Kit:

You will typically receive a stool sample kit either from your GP surgery or through the post as part of a screening programme. The kit usually contains:

• Collection Tube/Container: This is where you will place the stool sample. It often has a built-in scoop or applicator.
• Instructions Leaflet: This provides detailed steps specific to your kit. Read this thoroughly before you start.
• Sealable Bag: For securely returning the sample.
• Freepost Envelope or Label: For sending the sample back.

2. Preparing for Collection:

Ensure you have a clean toilet and a way to collect the sample without contaminating it. Some kits come with a special collection paper that fits inside the toilet bowl to catch the stool.

3. Collecting the Sample:

Do NOT put faeces directly into the collection tube. Use the provided scoop or applicator attached to the lid of the collection tube. Collect a small amount of stool from different parts of the bowel movement. Aim for about the size of a large pea or a small grape. If your kit uses a different method (e.g., a card to wipe onto), follow those specific instructions.

Avoid contaminating the sample with urine or toilet water. If you have haemorrhoids or have recently had bleeding from the back passage, try to collect the sample before or after using the toilet if possible, or be extra careful to collect only faecal matter.

4. Sealing the Sample:

Once you have collected the required amount, securely close the lid of the collection tube. Ensure it is tightly sealed to prevent leaks and contamination. Some kits may require you to place the sealed tube into a secondary bag or envelope.

5. Labelling the Sample:

Fill in all the required details on the label attached to the collection tube or bag. This usually includes your name, date of birth, the date of collection, and sometimes the time. Accurate labelling is crucial for the laboratory.

6. Returning the Sample:

Follow the instructions for returning the sample. This typically involves placing the sealed and labelled container into the provided sealable bag and then into a Freepost envelope. You will usually need to return the sample to your GP surgery or post it directly to the laboratory as soon as possible, often within 24-48 hours of collection. Check the expiry date on the kit and the return instructions carefully.

Important Considerations:

• Timing: Try to collect the sample on a day when you can return it promptly.
• Medications: Inform your doctor if you are taking certain medications, such as high-dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as these might affect the results of some tests. For a FIT test, this is generally not an issue.
• Menstruation: If you are female, avoid collecting the sample during your period, as menstrual blood can contaminate the sample and lead to false results. Wait until at least three days after your period has finished.
• Diet: For most NHS stool tests, there are no dietary restrictions. However, always check the specific instructions provided with your kit.

What Happens Next?

Once returned, the sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results will be sent to your GP or the referring clinician. Your doctor will then contact you to discuss the results and any necessary next steps, which might include further tests or reassurance that everything is normal.

Participating in NHS screening programmes and responding promptly to requests for stool samples can play a vital role in the early detection and effective treatment of various health conditions.