AN OVERVIEW
About stool test
Why is the stool test done?
A stool test is done to diagnose any medical conditions in a person through the examination of faeces colour, composition, and appearance. It is vital to keep a check on our overall gut health and also helps us to know whether the digestion process is getting affected due to any factor.
What does the stool test measure?
A stool test is used to diagnose faeces to check for any ailment. The results of this test can help one to decide the proper course of treatment if any infection, which is impacting the health of our gut and the process of digestion, is detected in the intestine.
In a stool test, a sample of the faeces is collected and sent to the laboratory for examination. It is then mixed with a solution which helps the present bacteria in growing substantially within 1-2 days, thus, confirming its presence. If this happens, the stool test report is positive.
Risk/side effects of the stool test
There are no risks or side effects associated with a stool test. However, to maintain proper hygiene, please wash your hands before and after collecting your stool sample, since it might contain harmful pathogens and viruses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
When is the stool test performed?
You can go for the stool test if you experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in stomach or abdomen.
- Detecting blood or mucus in the stool.
- Loose motions or diarrhea lasting for more than 4-5 days.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Getting sick due to a foodborne disease.
- Intaking contaminated water or undercooked meat.
How to prepare for a stool test?
Usually, there are no guidelines to be followed before going for the stool test. However, do inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking, since these may impact your test results.
How is the stool test performed?
Your doctor or lab assistant will provide you with all the instructions to collect the stool sample. These usually include the following:
- You will be asked to collect the stool sample at your home only and not in a clinic/hospital/laboratory.
- You will be using a container for collecting your stool sample.
- Make sure that your stool does not come in contact with the toilet seat while you are collecting its sample in the provided container.
- You can also use a plastic sheet, a newspaper, or a plastic bag to collect your stool sample and put it in the container.
Hand over the stool sample to the designated health professional once it has been collected.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting the Stool test results
Your doctor will consider the following factors while analysing your stool test report:
- Colour
- Light and dark brown stool is considered normal.
- Consistently discharging a yellow coloured stool for a number of days might indicate malabsorption of fats, passing of food through the stomach at a quicker pace, presence of gallstones/cholelithiasis, etc. It will require further examination.
- Green coloured stool might indicate the intake of green vegetables or green food colouring. It can also indicate a bacterial or parasitic infection.
- Black coloured stool might indicate bleeding in the upper stomach lining or the consumption of food rich in iron.
- Violet or purple coloured stool might indicate some life-threatening disease, such as porphyria.
2.pH Levels
| pH level | Result | Indication |
| 6.5 – 7.5 | Normal | Healthy gut |
| < 5.5 | Acidic | Lactose malabsorption, poor digestion |
| > 7.5 | Alkaline | Color inflammation, cancer, antibiotic use, etc |
3. Stool Culture
- A positive stool culture report confirms the presence of bacteria and germs that cause infections. Your doctor will provide you the required medication for the same.
- Similarly, a negative stool culture report suggests the absence of harmful bacteria.
Stool Test In Chandigarh
Starts from 790*
Stool, also known as faeces, is a solid waste product removed from the body through anus. Read further to know more about the stool test in Chandigarh, including its price and cost, procedure, side effects, understanding test results, etc.
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