ABSTRACT
When do you think it might be necessary to collect a stool specimen? Thinking about a ‘normal’ stool will help you begin to answer this question.
ACTIVITY
You may have identified that a stool specimen is collected if a person has complained
of abnormal stools, or you have observed an abnormality (e.g. diarrhoea) which
may be caused by gastrointestinal infection. Infection is particularly likely if the
stool is offensive and has an abnormal colour such as green. In these instances the
stool is sent for MC&S, to detect the causative microorganism and identify any
antibiotics to which it is sensitive.
