Feces tests

When should a stool test be performed?

Stool tests should be performed regularly as part of routine preventive screenings. This is especially important when gastrointestinal issues are present, such as:

• diarrhea;
• blood during defecation;
• unusual digestive disorders;
• excessive bloating and constipation;
• chronic abdominal pain;
• vomiting.

These tests are also conducted as part of routine preventive examinations, especially in children and the elderly.

What can be detected in a stool test?

Stool tests are some of the most important diagnostic tests that can detect many gastrointestinal disorders, including:

• blood, which may indicate the presence of gastrointestinal bleeding;
• pathogens such as bacteria (Salmonella and Shigella), fungi, or parasites, which can affect the functioning of the digestive system and overall health;
• abnormalities in gut flora;
• inflammatory bowel conditions;
• the presence of substances not absorbed by the body;
• gastrointestinal cancers (e.g., colon cancer).

Types of stool tests

Depending on the need, a doctor may order stool tests such as:

• general stool test,
• stool test for parasites,
• stool culture for tropical intestinal parasites,
• sanitary-epidemiological tests (for the presence of Salmonella and Shigella bacteria),
• test for Helicobacter pylori,
• test for occult blood in the stool,
• test for the presence of Giardia,
• test for the presence of lactoferrin in the stool,
• sodium in the stool,
• stool test for cryptosporidiosis,
• stool test for the presence of GDH antigen and A and B toxins of Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile.

The complete list of tests is available above.

How to prepare for a stool test?

To properly prepare for a stool test, it is important to follow an appropriate diet a few days before the test—avoid consuming products that may affect the color, consistency, and odor of the stool, including alcohol and laxatives, as they can also alter the results.

When purchasing a specific test, it is worth checking how to properly prepare for sample collection or asking at the chosen laboratory.

How to collect a stool sample?

To ensure reliable results, the sample must be properly collected. Collecting a stool sample for analysis is simple but requires certain precautions:

1.  It is necessary to purchase a sterile container from a pharmacy, equipped with a special scoop that allows you to take the right amount of stool and place it inside the container.

2.  When collecting the sample, disposable gloves should be used—avoid contact with the stool.

3.  The collected sample should be placed in the container, labeled with the patient's name and the date of collection.

4.  The sample should be stored in a cool, dry place (preferably in a refrigerator).

5.  The diagnostic material should then be delivered to the laboratory.

How much stool should be collected for the test?

Information on the required number of samples, the quantity of stool, as well as the method of collection, storage, and delivery should be obtained from the collection point. These requirements may vary depending on the type of test being performed.