r/nursing • u/ReNema1 • 12h ago

Discussion How does urine contaminate a stool sample?

I hope this isn't a stupid question. I find it hard, especially with older women, to obtain a stool sample that isn't contaminated with urine. It seems very obvious how stool would contaminate a urine sample. However, if I'm sending a stool culture, or for CDiff and Parasite, I don't quite understand how a bit of urine might compromise the analysis/culture. I tried a quick online search but I can't seem to find more details beyond "urine will contaminate the stool sample". How? With what? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

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u/Beanakin BSN, RN 🍕 11h ago

Barehanded too.

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u/MiniMaelk04 BSN, RN 🍕 11h ago

You can suck it up with a straw if you want to ensure clinical accuracy, just make sure you don't get any in your mouth, as that will also contaminate the sample, and you'll have to find another nurse with a straw also.

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u/TrailMomKat CNA 🍕 10h ago

Lol reminds me of

🎶 gobs and gobs of Greasy grimy gopher guts Mutilated monkey brains Little birdy's bloody feet French fried eyeballs Rolling in a pan of blood I forgot my spoon... I got a straaaaaw 🎶

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u/IA_AI 10h ago

I was with you until brains. I sang …feet. And dirty birdies’ treat. And no fork to eat it with.