A stool routine test is performed on a stool sample to diagnose conditions affecting the digestive system. It provides a detailed evaluation of a patient's stool to detect any abnormalities. This test can help diagnose gastrointestinal medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, anal fissures, colon or gastric cancer, haemorrhoids, and more. Additionally, it can assist in determining the cause of blood in the stool.

What is a Stool Routine Test?

A stool routine examination, also known as a faecal sample, stool culture, or stool sample test, is a diagnostic test that helps determine infections caused by microorganisms in the intestines. While many gut bacteria are essential for the digestive process, some bacteria or parasites may enter the body and cause internal infections.

A stool test may be recommended for various reasons, for which different types of tests have been designed. Depending on what element is to be tested, the common stool routine tests include the following:

• Ova and parasite test to check for parasites or ova (eggs) of parasites in the stool.
• White blood cell test for detecting inflammatory bowel disease.
• H. Pylori antigen test for gastrointestinal disorders caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
• Faecal occult blood test for determining the reason for blood in the stool.
• Stool DNA test for detecting polyps or colon cancer.

Purpose of Stool Routine Test

A stool routine test can assist doctors and healthcare providers in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, allowing for timely and appropriate treatment. This test can also detect the presence of parasites that may infect organs inside the body, including the intestines. Additionally, the stool routine examination report can identify the overgrowth of fungi such as yeast, gut bacteria, and pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli.

What happens during the Stool Routine Test?

Before a stool routine test procedure is performed, the patient typically needs to collect a stool sample in a sterile container, which may be provided by the diagnostic centre. After collecting the stool sample, it should be submitted to the diagnostic centre for further examination. In the diagnostic laboratory, the stool sample undergoes analysis to detect the presence of disease-causing microorganisms or any abnormalities.

Procedure for Stool Routine Test

The stool routine test can be collected at home, in a clinic, or at a hospital. In some cases, patients may need to collect samples over 1 to 3 days. Before taking the stool sample, it's important to take some precautions, including:

• Urinating before taking the sample to prevent it from getting mixed with the stool sample.
• Using gloves when handling the stool sample to prevent the spread of germs and potential infection.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after collecting the sample.

The stool sample should be collected in a container, and collecting it more than once may not be necessary unless the doctor advises otherwise.

Uses of Stool Routine Test

A stool routine test is employed to analyse a stool sample for the diagnosis of underlying diseases or other medical conditions that may necessitate treatment or hospitalisation. This test can also help detect harmful microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites, that may be present in the body.

How to prepare for the Stool Routine Test?

Before a stool test is recommended by a doctor, they will inquire about the patient's clinical history to understand any medications the patient may be taking. Some medications can interfere with the test, and as a result, patients may be advised to discontinue or adjust their medication dosage 1-2 weeks before collecting the sample. Additionally, the doctor may recommend avoiding certain foods for 2-3 days prior to the sample collection.

Values of Stool Routine Test Results

In a standard stool routine examination report, the reference values can vary depending on several factors, including the laboratory where the sample is tested. It is essential to interpret the stool routine examination report with respect to the reference values provided by the specific laboratory that conducted the test. These reference values are typically included in the stool routine test report, and the normal ranges for common parameters tested in a stool routine test are presented in the table below.

Conclusion

A stool routine test is a diagnostic procedure that involves the analysis of a stool sample. It is used to diagnose various medical conditions that can affect the digestive tract, including infections and even cancer.

FAQs 

1. What happens during the Stool Routine Test? 

Ans. Before a stool routine examination procedure is conducted in a laboratory, patients must collect a stool sample in a container, which they then submit to the diagnostic centre for analysis and testing.

2. What diseases can be detected in a stool sample? 

Ans. A stool routine report can detect the presence of bacteria, parasites, fungi, or other harmful microorganisms that may underlie various health conditions.

3. What does a positive stool test mean? 

Ans. A positive stool routine test result may indicate the presence of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. It could also signal an underlying health condition like cancer. The exact cause of abnormalities in the stool sample is typically determined by a doctor who may recommend additional tests.

4. What does a low pH in stool mean? 

Ans. A low pH in a stool sample can have various interpretations and may require additional tests for a definitive diagnosis. Typically, a low pH in stool may result from intestinal inflammation or the malabsorption of nutrients like carbohydrates and fats by the body. Inflammation of the intestines can be caused by various factors, including excessive antibiotic use, colitis, or even cancer.