Project Peach
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
hello@plashetpharmacy.co.uk
0208 472 4560
Login
en
en
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Services
Our Pharmacy
Our App
Health & Advice
Log Out
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Login
Login
en
en
hello@plashetpharmacy.co.uk
0208 472 4560
Login
en
en
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Services
Our Pharmacy
Our App
Health & Advice
Log Out
Order Prescription
Book Consultation
Login
Login
en
en
How to collect a sample of poo (stool sample)
Why a poo sample is needed

A doctor may ask you to collect a poo sample if you have symptoms that need checking. These include:

  • blood in your poo
  • diarrhoea
  • constipation
  • stomach pain or discomfort

Bowel cancer screening

For information on how to use a home screening kit for bowel cancer, see bowel cancer screening.

Collecting a poo (stool) sample

You'll be given a small plastic container to put your poo sample in. Write your name, date of birth and the date on the container.

If you need to pee, do this before you collect your poo sample so there's no pee mixed with the poo.

To collect a poo sample:

  1. Put something in the toilet to catch the poo, such as a clean disposable container, or spread newspaper or cling film (plastic wrap) over the rim of the toilet.
  2. Do a poo. Make sure it does not touch the inside of the toilet, or the water.
  3. Use a disposable spoon to put some poo in the container – sometimes the container comes with a spoon. Include any poo that's watery or has blood or slime in it.
  4. Fill the container just under halfway with poo, then screw the lid shut.
  5. Flush the rest of the poo down the toilet. Put everything you've used to collect the poo in a plastic bag, tie it up and put it in the bin.
  6. Wash your hands with soap and warm running water.
Handing in your poo sample

The doctor will tell you when and how to return your poo sample.

They'll usually ask you to hand it in or post it in a prepaid envelope as soon as possible. It's important your poo sample is tested as soon as possible after you do it.

If you cannot take your poo sample in or post it within 24 hours, talk to your doctor so they can tell you what to do.

What a poo sample is tested for

By testing your poo, it's possible to check for conditions affecting your digestive system.

A poo sample can be tested to help diagnose things like:

Further information
Last Reviewed
02 July 2024
NHS websiteNHS website
Plashet Pharmacy Logo
Download the Plashet Pharmacy App
Download on the App Store
Contact Us
Pharmacy Services
Order Prescriptions
Patient Account Deletion 
Health A-Z
Healthy Living Zone
Download Our App
Do Something
Do Something
Pay securely with
Amex Logo
Apple Pay Logo
Diners Logo
Discover Logo
JCB Logo
Mastercard Logo
Visa Logo
Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms & Conditions
Plashet Pharmacy © 2025