Feces analysis is a fairly common procedure for young children. The study of feces makes it possible to determine violations in the functioning of the internal systems of the child's body. Collecting feces from infants can cause serious difficulties for parents, since the baby does not yet know how to use the pot. There are some tricks to make this task easier.
Feces collection container
Feces are collected in a sterile container. It can be purchased at any pharmacy. Now on sale there are containers with a spoon fixed on the lid. They are very convenient to use.
An alternative option is a small glass jar. It must be well washed and doused with boiling water.
Feces collection
The most common way to collect stool from babies is to take it out of the diaper. Pediatricians recommend using a disposable gauze diaper for this purpose. After the baby poops, gently scrape the material off the surface of the diaper. You can use a pot to collect feces if the baby has already begun to be planted on it. After six months, the children make it clear about the impending bowel movement, and an attentive adult can catch this moment. Rinse the pot well and pour boiling water over it.
Collect hard or soft stools with a spoon attached to a sterile container. You can also use another item, such as a disposable plastic spoon. It is recommended to collect different portions: from the center, from the top and from the bottom. It will be enough to collect feces in volume equal to an incomplete teaspoon.
Loose stools are much more difficult to collect. To do this, use a medical oilcloth. Spread it under your child. A pediatric urine collection bag can also be used to collect liquid stool. It is sold in pharmacies. This is a small plastic sterile bag. It has a hole for collecting the analysis and adhesive tape with which the urine bag is attached to the baby's body. When the baby poops, pour the collected into a container.
How to store collected material
It is recommended to take a fresh analysis for research. However, getting the baby to poop at the agreed time is quite difficult. Therefore, it is allowed to store the analysis in the refrigerator (no more than 12 hours). Please note that feces for dysbiosis and pathogenic microflora are given only fresh. You can use methods to stimulate the process of bowel movement in order to collect the analysis in a timely manner.
How to stimulate bowel movements
A gas tube helps to induce defecation. One end of it is lubricated with a fat cream and inserted into the baby's anus. After the release of gaziks, the intestines are emptied. If the attempt is unsuccessful, you can repeat the action after 15 - 20 minutes.
Give your baby a stimulating massage. With warm hands, gently massage your tummy around your navel in a clockwise direction. At the same time, periodically press the baby's legs to the tummy. For severe constipation, another massage is used. Place three fingers on the baby's tummy around the navel. The middle finger is above the navel, the index and ring fingers are below (they should be at the same level). A triangle should form. Massage these points in a clockwise direction.
