Stool Examination
Stool examination, also known as stool analysis or fecal analysis, is a diagnostic test used to evaluate various aspects of stool composition, appearance, and microbial content. Here’s how stool examination is used:
- Detection of Gastrointestinal Infections: Stool examination is commonly used to diagnose gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Microscopic examination of stool samples can identify the presence of pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Clostridium difficile, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and Cryptosporidium, among others. Detection of these pathogens helps guide appropriate treatment and infection control measures.
- Assessment of Digestive Disorders: Stool examination may provide valuable information about digestive disorders such as malabsorption syndromes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer. Examination of stool consistency, color, and composition, as well as the presence of blood, mucus, or fat, can help identify underlying gastrointestinal conditions and guide further evaluation and management.
- Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Stool examination, particularly testing for occult blood (blood not visible to the naked eye), is used to screen for gastrointestinal bleeding. Occult blood in the stool may indicate bleeding from the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract, including conditions such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, esophagitis, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, or colorectal cancer.
- Assessment of Malabsorption: Stool examination can detect abnormalities suggestive of malabsorption, a condition in which the intestines are unable to absorb nutrients properly. Testing for fat malabsorption, such as fecal fat analysis or Sudan III staining, can help diagnose conditions such as pancreatic insufficiency, celiac disease, or Crohn's disease.
- Monitoring Treatment Response: Stool examination may be repeated over time to monitor response to treatment for gastrointestinal infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Changes in stool characteristics or microbial content can indicate treatment efficacy or disease progression.