Why is this procedure done?
Stool is also called feces. It is the bodys waste. Testing your stool can give your doctor information about health problems related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. ‚
The doctor may order a stool test to check for problems like: ‚
- Allergies
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Problems with digestion
- Parasites
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your bowels are likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness causing a problem with your bowels. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
- If you recently had a barium x-ray
- If you have recently been to some other country
- Ask your doctor if there are any drugs you take that you need to stop taking.
What happens during the procedure?
- For adults and older children:
- Pass urine before you collect the stool sample. It is important the sample does not have any urine or water mixed with it. Do not collect stool from the toilet bowl.
- Wear gloves while collecting the sample.
- Pass stool into a clean and dry container with a screw-top lid. Often, the lab or your doctor will give you a special container to use when collecting your stool.
- Avoid contaminating the specimen with urine or toilet paper.
- If you are collecting the sample at home, take it to the doctors office or lab as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands well.
- For infants and young children:
- Talk with your doctor about how to collect a stool specimen.
What happens after the procedure?
Ask your doctor when you will get the results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your GI system. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- People with loose stools may not have enough water in the body and will need lots of fluids
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/stool-culture/tab/test ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/labtest8.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚