Stool Test

This test is used to analyze the stool and helps to find the abnormalities in the body. This test helps to find the presence of pus cells, red blood cells, macrophages, protozoal parasites, helminthic ova in the stool. It also evaluates the color, form, and consistency of the stool.

For this test, you need to collect the sample of the stool using laxative gloves or plastic wrap. After collecting the sample, place it in a clean container and seal it. Then submit the container in a clinic or laboratory as instructed by the doctor.

Why this test is performed?

This test is recommended by the doctor if an individual is suffering from intestinal infections which are caused by parasites, bacteria, and viruses like Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris, E.coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridium, Rotaviruses etc. In any case, symptoms like persistent abdominal pain, frequent diarrhea, vomiting, fever, bleeding inside the intestine, malabsorption of sugars, fats and nutrients, headache are seen in an individual then the doctor may ask to undergo this test. This test is performed in order to check whether you are taking the required amount of medications to kill and eliminate the parasites or bacteria or viruses which caused the intestinal infections.

Generally, if an individual is diagnosed with an intestinal infection and on treatment, then the doctor may recommend this test to evaluate the presence of the parasites and its egg in the stool and the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with an intestinal infection by a bacteria or virus or parasite, then your doctor may advise you to undergo this test once every 1 or 2 months to once a year based on your clinical condition.

Stool Analysis test has the following parameters

• Color
• Form and Consistency
• Reaction
• Charcot-Leyden crystals
• Pus cells
• Red Blood Cells RBC
• Macrophages
• Protozoal parasites
• Helminthic ova or eggs
• Other observations

Precautions:

Drugs such as laxatives, antidiarrheal medications, antibiotics etc. may affect the results of this test. Hence, all medications should be reported to the doctor before undergoing this test.

The test results may be different depending on gender, age, and health conditions.

Generally, there is no need for medical interventions if test results are in normal range.

If the test results are abnormal, then it may indicate that there may be a chance for intestinal infection by Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, flatworms, hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, Cyclospora cayetanensis etc. and may be presence of the red blood cells in the stool along with pus cells, macrophages and the eggs of the parasites. Presence of pus cells may indicate that you may have pancreatitis or other disorders that affect the absorption of fats.

Based on the test results, your doctor may recommend a follow-up test and may prescribe the medications to reduce the symptoms and to kill the specific disease-causing microorganism.