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Table 6 Process of obtaining stool specimens from patients with diarrhoea

From: Stool submission by general practitioners in SW England - when, why and how? A qualitative study

Participant

Quotes

GP3

“I mean obviously it can sort of, it’s not particularly pleasant, but most individuals don’t seem to mind if they think it’s appropriate. You know, if they’re unwell, then they’ll do it.”

GP10

“I fill in a black form, a microbiology form, and I give them a stool pot with a little spoon thing in it. And I say can you do a sample by fair means or foul and put it in this pot and then put it in the bag, seal it up and hand it in to surgery the same day.

 

Interviewer: Do you tell them how much of a sample to collect?

 

No, I don’t actually you know at all.”

 

Interviewer: Do you give them any advice on how to collect the specimen?

GP11

“Physically? I give them a pot and I explain what the spoon is for, give them a little bit of a clue as to what they might find helps, you know, ice cream box cleaned out in the toilet, and wish them good luck really.”

GP12

Interviewer: Do you tell them roughly how much of a sample to provide?

 

No because I wouldn’t know.”

GP20

"I tell them they need to do three samples on separate days and that it needs to be taken to the lab preferably straight after the sample’s done.”