Stool Examination
Stool Examination
An examination for intestinal parasites and related conditions, also assessing digestive function and nutrient absorption
Benefits of This Test
- Detect parasite eggs under microscopic examination
- Detect occult blood indicating peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal cancer, or severe hemorrhoids
- Assess stool appearance and color, which reflect digestive and liver function
Testing Procedure
1. Receive Container
Receive a container and collection applicator from staff
2. Collect Sample
Collect a fingertip-sized fresh sample with the wooden applicator; include any mucus or blood present
3. Seal the Sample
Place the applicator in the opaque container, seal tightly, and place in a zip bag
4. Submit Sample
Verify your name on the label before submitting to the collection point
What the doctor examines in a stool sample
- Consistency:
- Loose, formed, presence of mucus, presence of blood
- Color:
- Stool color reflects both diet and bile secreted from the gallbladder as well as bleeding in the digestive tract. White stool may indicate bile duct obstruction; black stool may indicate stomach bleeding; fresh blood indicates bleeding from the large intestine
- Parasite eggs:
- Checked under a microscope
- Occult (hidden) blood:
- Sometimes there's too little blood to see with the naked eye, so a chemical reaction test is used. A positive result indicates bleeding somewhere in the digestive tract, which may be caused by a stomach ulcer, digestive tract cancer, or severe hemorrhoids
Tips for collecting a stool sample
- Use the swab to collect a finger-tip-sized amount of freshly passed stool. If there's mucus or blood present, collect from that area
- Place the swab into the opaque sample container and seal the lid tightly
- Place the sealed container into a zip bag and deliver it to the designated collection point