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A stool analysis is a number of tests done on a sample of stool
(feces) to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract,
including infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria), poor
absorption, or cancer.
For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean
container and then sent for laboratory analysis. Laboratory analysis
consists of microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. A complete
stool analysis includes an examination of the physical characteristics of the
stool for color, consistency, weight (volume), shape, odor, and the presence of
mucus. The stool can be examined for hidden (occult) blood, fat, meat fibers,
bile, white blood cells (leukocytes), and sugars (called reducing substances).
The
pH of the stool also may be measured.
A stool culture is done mainly to identify organisms (such as
bacteria) that may be causing an infection.
Stool Analysis Results
Stool analysis test results usually take at least 1 to 3
days.
Stool analysis
Normal:
The stool appears brown, soft, and well-formed in
consistency.
No blood, mucus, pus, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or
parasites are present in the stool.
The shape of the stool is tubular, reflecting its passage
through the colon.
Normal
pH of stool is about 6.
Less than 2
milligrams per gram (mg/g) of certain sugars called
reducing factors are present in the stool.
Abnormal:
Increased volume of stool may indicate poor absorption of
fats.
Blood, mucus, pus, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
are present in the stool.
Low levels of certain enzymes (such as trypsin or elastase)
may be present.
Reducing factors levels between 2 and 5 mg/g are considered
borderline. Levels greater than 5 mg/g are abnormal.
Abnormal values may mean
High levels of fat in the stool may indicate
chronic
pancreatitis,
sprue,
Crohn's disease, or
cystic fibrosis.
The presence of
undigested meat fibers in the stool may indicate pancreatitis.
An
abnormal pH may indicate poor absorption of carbohydrates or
fat.
Low levels of certain enzymes (such as trypsin or elastase)
may indicate digestive complications of cystic fibrosis or pancreatic
insufficiency.
The presence of blood in the stool indicates
bleeding in the digestive tract.
The presence of white blood cells
in the stool may indicate bacterial diarrhea. A specific organism may be
identified.
Rotaviruses are a common cause of
diarrhea in young children. If diarrhea is present, testing may be done to
determine the presence of rotaviruses in the stool.
High levels of
reducing factors in the stool may indicate a problem digesting certain sugars
(especially sucrase and lactase).
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