A stool test is a procedure that involves analysing faeces in order to diagnose a medical condition that usually involves a problem with the stomach, intestines, or another part of the gastrointestinal system. It can also be used to detect gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be a sign of colon cancer.
A stool sample is chemically tested to assess its pH and the presence of blood, and microscopically inspected to look for pus cells, red blood cells, parasites, and so on. What is the purpose of the test? A regular stool examination is advised when your doctor notices signs and symptoms such as
- Abdominal ache - Bloody diarrhoea - Appetite loss - Fever
A regular stool examination is beneficial in determining the source of diarrhoea, discovering parasites, and determining the reason of gastrointestinal problems.
Category
Microbiology
Prerequisite
You don't need any special preparations for this test
Normal Range
Fat - < 5 g/day in patients on a 100-g fat diet
Nitrogen - < 2 g/day
Urobilinogen - 40–280 mg/24 hours
Weight - < 200 g/day
Type of sample to be collected
Stool Sample
