def read_stdout(self):
        """
        Reads the current state of the print buffer (if it exists) and returns
        a body-ready dom object of those contents without adding them to the
        actual report body. This is useful for creating intermediate body
        values for display while the method is still executing.

        :return:
            A dom string for the current state of the print buffer contents
        """
        try:
            contents = self.stdout_interceptor.read_all()
        except Exception as err:
            contents = ''

        return render_texts.preformatted_text(contents)