The Importance of Stool Routine Tests in Diagnosing Digestive Disorders

A stool routine test is also known as a stool culture, fecal sample, or stool sample test. It is a diagnostic test that helps doctors determine various infections caused by microorganisms in the intestines. In some cases, gut bacteria are important for digestive procedures. However, some parasites or bacteria may enter the body and cause internal infections.

Doctors recommend stool routine tests for various reasons. According to which element to be tested, the common stool routine tests include;

  • Ova and parasite tests help check parasites or ova in the stool.
  • H. Pylori antigen test to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
  • White blood cell test that detects inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Stool DNA test that detects polyp or colon cancer.
  • Fecal occult blood test to determine the reason for blood in the stool.

What is a Stool Routine Test?

A stool routine test is painless and non-invasive. It helps detect blood in the stool and detect the presence of bacteria, fungi, or viruses. A stool routine test is a combination of various other tests performed on a stool sample. This test uses several methods including pH analysis that identifies the presence of blood in the stool sample. It also helps to check the microscopic bacteria, viruses, and fungi within the stool sample.

A stool routine test shows whether there are pus cells or endoparasites in your gut. You must know that there are no side effects of the stool test. For this test, the patient collects the stool in a container and sends it to the lab for analysis. This test is very helpful in detecting any gastrointestinal problems. You can contact MyDiagnostics to know the rate of stool routine tests.

What is the purpose of the stool routine test and microscopic examination?

A stool routine test and microscopic examination are also known as a stool culture test. It is a vital diagnostic test that deeply analyses the health of the digestive system.

The main purpose of the stool sample test is to detect the presence of infections, abnormalities, and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Microscopic stool test reveals the visual inspection of the stool sample and detects the presence of any visible abnormalities like mucus or blood in the stool.

Stool routine tests may be recommended for various medical conditions and it allows appropriate treatment to avoid any further gut problems. Besides, this test can find out the cause of the digestive tract that includes;

  • Infections in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Gastric and colon cancer

  • Pancreatic insufficiency

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Digestive tract bleeding
  • Poor absorption of fats
  • Hemorrhoids

If your healthcare provider suggests the stool routine test and microscopic examination test, you must not delay. Early detection always helps to detect the presence of any harmful microorganisms such as parasites, yeast, or fungi that may exist in your body.

What is the procedure for the stool routine test and microscopic examination test?

The stool routine test and microscopic examination procedure are risk-free and simple as well. Let's explore the step-by-step procedure for every test.

  • First, sterile and clean up the stool sample container.
  • Urinate first to avoid contamination of the stool sample collection.

  • Make sure to wear gloves to collect a sample at home.

  • Schedule your home sample collection at your convenience.
  • Make sure to conduct the stool sample test from a certified lab.
  • Collect your personalized report within 10 hours.

Note: Make sure to wash your hands before and after the stool sample collection to prevent any infection. Label the stool sample container before handing it over to the phlebotomist.

How can you prepare for a stool sample and microscopic examination?

A stool routine test helps to detect conditions affecting the digestive system. Stool routine examination evaluates a patient's stool to detect any abnormalities such as anal fissures, bowel disease, colon, or gastric cancer, etc.

A stool routine test doesn't need any serious preparation. You just need to remember a few instructions to get accurate results.

Diet: Although a stool routine test doesn't require fasting. Still, you should consult your doctor to know about the specific items to avoid before the stool routine test.

Medications: Make sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any prescribed or non-prescribed medications before conducting the stool routine examination. The doctor may ask you to stop or continue taking medicines before the stool routine examination. Consumption of some specific medicines can affect the stool routine test results.

Menstruation: You should not opt for a stool routine examination unless your menstruation is over.

Travel history: If you have recently travelled and got infected during travel, make sure to let your doctor know. It will help the doctor to check for a microbial infection.

If you have any doubts or concerns regarding the stool routine examination, kindly discuss them with your doctor.

When do I need a stool routine test?

Your gut microbiome is composed of healthy and unhealthy microbes. You may require a stool routine examination if you have stomach problems. This test helps in detecting bacteria, viruses, or germs in the stool that may make you sick.

Your doctor may suggest a stool routine test if you have the following symptoms;

Pain in the abdomen: Abnormalities in the stomach cause abdomen pain. In such a condition, your doctor may advise you to take a stool routine examination to detect the accurate cause of the problem and initiate the required treatment accordingly.

Loss of appetite: Pain in the abdomen can't determine if you need a stool routine examination. Your doctor may suggest the test to determine whether the decreased appetite is due to any underlying condition.

Nausea and vomiting: The stool test may also be suggested when you face severe nausea or vomiting that lasts more than a few days. Besides fever, and diarrhea there are other conditions for which a healthcare provider may suggest a stool test. Such conditions include blood in the stool and mucus in the stool.

No matter the reason, if your healthcare provider suggests a stool routine examination based on your symptoms, risk factors, and other reasons, the test will properly evaluate your gut health and take appropriate measures accordingly.

Conclusion

A stool routine test detects any underlying disease or other medical conditions for which a patient may require treatment or hospitalization. This test is overall simple and hassle-free to detect the presence of types of harmful germs like bacteria, fungi, parasites, or viruses. This test has no or minimal risk. You just need to use a special container to collect a stool sample at home. However, for better knowledge, you can contact our lab.

FAQs

What is a normal stool routine examination report?

The normal stool test report is usually soft, brown, and well-formed and doesn't contain any blood, mucus, pus, or harmful microorganisms.

What does a stool test check for?

Stool test helps doctors to find various types of issues like gastrointestinal systems caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.

What are the two types of stool tests?

The two types of stool tests include;

Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This type of stool test detects any traces of blood in the stool.

FIT-DNA test: Like FOBT, this stool test detects a tiny amount of blood in the stool.

* Medical Disclaimer: The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).