Why a stool test is done. A stool test may be done to check for: bleeding inside the GI tract infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus parasites digestive conditions Screening for colorectal cancer uses stool tests to check for bleeding inside the GI tract.
Types of stool tests. How a stool test is done. Different methods can be used to collect the stool, including: using a hat-shaped plastic container placed over the toilet bowl placing plastic wrap loosely over the toilet bowl lining a diaper with plastic wrap for infants or toddlers If urine pee is mixed with the stool or if the stool touches the inside of the toilet bowl, another sample will have to be collected.
The stool sample will be looked at under a microscope at the lab. What the results mean. What happens if the results are abnormal. Your doctor may recommend more tests, procedures, follow-up care or treatment.
Special considerations for children. References American Cancer Society. Colorectal Cancer. Stool tests for colorectal cancer. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors.
A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you. The stool does not contain blood, mucus, pus, undigested meat fibers, harmful bacteria , viruses , fungi , or parasites.
The stool contains blood, mucus, pus, undigested meat fibers, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The stool contains low levels of enzymes , such as trypsin or elastase.
Many conditions can change the results of a stool analysis. Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and past health. Current as of: September 23, Gabica MD - Family Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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Top of the page. Test Overview A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool feces sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract.
Why It Is Done Stool analysis is done to: Help identify diseases of the digestive tract, liver , and pancreas. Certain enzymes such as trypsin or elastase may be evaluated in the stool to help see how well the pancreas is working. Help find the cause of symptoms affecting the digestive tract, such as prolonged diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, an increased amount of gas, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, belly pain and cramping, and fever.
Screen for colon cancer by checking for hidden occult blood. Look for parasites, such as pinworms or Giardia. Look for the cause of an infection, such as bacteria, a fungus , or a virus. Check for poor absorption of nutrients by the digestive tract malabsorption syndrome.
For this test, all stool is collected over a hour period and then checked for fat and sometimes for meat fibers. This test is called a hour stool collection or quantitative fecal fat test. How To Prepare Many medicines can change the results of this test. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have: Recently had an X-ray test using barium contrast material , such as a barium enema or upper gastrointestinal series barium swallow.
Barium can interfere with test results. Traveled in recent weeks or months, especially if you have traveled outside the country.
This helps your doctor look for the parasites, fungi, viruses, or bacteria that may be causing a problem. How It Is Done Stool samples can be collected at home, in your doctor's office, at a medical clinic, or at the hospital.
Collect the samples as follows: Urinate before you collect the stool so that you do not get any urine in the stool sample. Put on gloves before handling your stool. Stool can contain germs that spread infection. Wash your hands after you remove your gloves. If the levels of bacteria don't match, the test results may not be accurate.
Your sample should be handed in as soon as possible, as sometimes it can't be analysed after being refrigerated — your doctor will tell you if this is the case. If you can't hand your sample in immediately, find out how long it can be kept in the fridge. Your GP or the healthcare professional who requested the test will be able to tell you. If you can store it in the fridge, put the container in a sealed plastic bag first.
Your GP or another healthcare professional may ask you for a stool sample to help them diagnose or rule out a particular health condition. By testing the levels of these substances and bacteria in your poo, it's possible to work out what's happening in your digestive system. Find out more about operations, tests and procedures.
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