- Medistore
- Diagnostic tests
- Feces tests
Feces tests
Stool tests comprise a broad group of diagnostic tests in which the material analysed is a stool sample. Available tests include bacteriological stool tests, tests to detect parasites in the stool or occult blood. Stool analysis is non-invasive and provides a lot of important information about the patient's health.

Parasites/parasite eggs in stool
Fecal examination for parasites.

Stool - culture for Salmonella and Shigella
Fecal microbiological testing for Salmonella and Shigella bacilli that cause gastrointestinal infections

Calprotectin
Fecal calprotectin is a test performed in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease, and in the differentiation between these conditions.

Helicobacter pylori stool antigen
Determination of Helicobacter pylori antigen in feces.

Elastase in stool
Pancreatic elastase is the only enzyme secreted by the pancreas that passes unchanged through the entire digestive system. Its amount in the feces therefore directly indicates the physiological state of the pancreas and its ability to produce digestive enzymes.

Occult blood in stool
Test for the presence of fecal occult blood.

Stool - general culture, children up to 2 years old
Fecal culture is a microbiological test that aims to accurately identify the species of pathogens (primarily bacteria) present in the examined material. This test is most often ordered in the course of severe diarrhea in children.

Stool - general culture
Fecal culture - a microbiological test in the diagnosis of intestinal diseases. Fecal examination is usually ordered for patients with suspected bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract, manifested by diarrhea or vomiting.

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Sodium in stools
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.