A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can include infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria), poor nutrient absorption, or cancer.
For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. Laboratory analysis includes microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. The stool will be checked for colour, consistency, amount, shape, and the presence of mucus. The stool may be examined for hidden (occult) blood, fat, meat fibres, bile, white blood cells , and sugars called reducing substances. The pH of the stool also may be measured. A stool culture is done to find out if bacteria may be causing an infection.
Stool analysis is done to:
liver
, andpancreas
. Certainenzymes
(such as trypsin or elastase) may be evaluated in the stool to help see how well the pancreas is working.colon cancer
by checking for hidden (occult) blood.pinworms
orGiardia
.fungus
, or a virus.Many medicines can change the results of this test. You will need to avoid certain medicines depending on which kind of stool analysis you have. You may need to stop taking medicines such as antacids, antidiarrheal medicines, antiparasite medicines, antibiotics, laxatives, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 1 to 2 weeks before you have the test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the non-prescription and prescription medicines you take.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you have:
X-ray
test using bariumcontrast material
, such as abarium enema
orupper gastrointestinal series
(barium swallow). Barium can interfere with test results.If your stool is being tested for blood, you may need to avoid certain foods for 2 to 3 days before the test. This depends on what kind of stool test you use. And do not do the test during your menstrual period or if you have active bleeding from hemorrhoids. If you aren't sure about how to prepare, ask your doctor.
Do not use a stool sample for testing that has been in contact with toilet bowl cleaning products that turn the water blue.
You will be given stool collection kits to use each day. You may need to collect more than one sample. Follow the directions in the kits. The contents may be different.
To collect the samples:
Your doctor will tell you when to return the sample to the lab.
The test will take a few minutes each time you take a sample.
There is no pain while collecting a stool sample. If you are constipated, straining to pass stool may be painful.
If your health professional uses a rectal swab to collect the sample, you may feel some pressure or discomfort as the swab is inserted into your rectum.
Any stool sample may contain germs that can spread disease. Make sure to carefully wash your hands and use careful handling techniques to avoid spreading infection.
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. 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.
A stool analysis may check values for pH, reducing factors, and fat.
Stool analysisResultsDescriptionNormal:
The stool appears brown, soft, and well-formed in consistency.
The stool does not contain blood, mucus, pus, undigested meat fibres, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
The stool is shaped like a tube.
Abnormal:
The stool is black, red, white, yellow, or green.
The stool is liquid or very hard.
There is too much stool.
The stool contains blood, mucus, pus, undigested meat fibres, 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.
pancreatitis
,sprue (celiac disease)
,cystic fibrosis
, or other disorders that affect the absorption of fats.carbohydrate
or fat. Stool with a high pH may mean inflammation in the intestine (colitis), cancer, or antibiotic use.White blood cells
in the stool may be caused by inflammation of the intestines, such asulcerative colitis
, or a bacterial infection.Rotaviruses
are a common cause of diarrhea in young children. If diarrhea is present, testing may be done to look for rotaviruses in the stool.gout
) or birth control pills may also cause low levels.Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
You’ll likely get your stool test results back in one to three days. But it could take longer depending on what your provider tests for.
It depends on the type of test. For some stool tests, providers smear the stool onto a testing card. For others, they place the stool on a glass slide and look at it under the microscope. They may also put the stool on a plate that has food for the germs to grow so they can see them. Sometimes the germs can be hard to see, so providers place them in a machine that copies their DNA over and over again.
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Stool test results can be positive or negative. A negative result means your poop looks typical, and the lab didn’t find any signs of disease like blood or germs. If your stool tests positive for a germ, the test result may also give you the name of the bug.
If your stool tests positive, the pathologist will tell your healthcare provider what kinds of germs or pathogens they found. They’ll also tell your provider if there are other signs of infection, like an abnormal amount of blood or fat in your stool. This information will help your provider find the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
If your results suggest a cancerous growth, your provider will refer you to an oncologist for further testing and treatment.
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