Jar of Poop

Normally when a patient were to ask what container can be used to put a stool sample in, we would just say any clean container will do as long as it can be closed shut.

An older lady called and asked what she can collect her stool in. We told her that it doesn’t have to be sterile, and a clean container will do as long as she send it in within an hour. A day later, we received a big jar inside a plastic grocery bag. When I opened it, it was the biggest “log” I have ever seen in!! Her container was perfect. An empty mayonnaise jar that she probably got from Sam’s Club is what she used.

I just have the feeling that she found the jar in her basement, and just did her business right into it! I really can’t say she did anything wrong. But it’s probably the biggest log of poop I ever got my gloved hands on. I got a small chunk for the test and got rid of her business. Yuck!

Submitted by:
Ronald Smith
Medical Technologist
Alabama, USA