Table 9 Sources of advice for GPs on when to submit stool samples

GP7

“Phone microbiology or I’d look on the pathology website.”

GP14

“Well I’d probably need to ring up one of the microbiology consultants to ask whether they thought that was a valuable investigation to do, and they’re usually very easy to get a hold of.”

GP17

“It’s unusual for me to be in that position, I have to say, so if there was a particular concern it might be more in terms of do I need to look for something fairly easily taken, I’d probably ring up the laboratory.”

GP3

“I would rarely look for guidance as about sending stool samples because it’s, you know, there’s not easy access to clear information about that, and it’s really on clinical judgment, and if I had doubt I would send one. So I don’t think I’ve ever looked up about appropriateness of sending a sample in a given situation.”