Stool Routine Test

Stool routine test is taken by the doctor when you have stomach problems. A stool analysis is a series of tests done on stool sample to diagnose certain medical conditions that affect the digestive tract. These conditions can be either an infection, poor nutrient absorption in the body or even cancer. The analysis can help in identifying diseases as well as the cause of symptoms affecting the digestive tract, liver and pancreas. This test is also used for screening colon cancer by checking for hidden blood.

If you take any medicines then 1-2 weeks before taking the test you need to stop taking them since medicines can affect the results of the tests. The doctor should be aware about all the medicines that you take. If you have been travelling for days or weeks before the test inform the doctor since it helps the doctor to look for bacteria or fungi that may be causing a problem in the body. This test should not be done during menstrual period or any under any situation of active bleeding in body. Also you need to avoid certain food items 2-3 days before the test is conducted.

Stool routine test would be ordered by the doctor if you suffer from symptoms mentioned below- Diarrhoea lasting more than few days Throwing up Poop that contains blood or mucus. You may require antibiotics in case of other health problems such as dehydration(losing too much fluid).

The sample can be collected at home, at the doctor’s office, at a medical clinic or a hospital. You may need to collect more than one sample over 1-3 days. Urinate before collecting the sample so that you do not get any urine with the stool sample. Use gloves while handling the stool since stool may contain germs and cause infection. Wash your hands after collecting the sample. Pass the stool (without urine) into a dry container. The doctor may give you a plastic basin that can be placed under the toilet seat while catching the sample. Place a lid on the container and label it with you name, your doctor’s name and the date when the stool sample was collected. Collect only one sample a day unless the doctor gives you other instructions. There is no pain while collecting the stool sample. If you are constipated straining to pass the stool can be painful.