Stool tests, also called stool culture and fecal sample tests, are tests that help doctors determine certain medical conditions. Some conditions diagnosed through stool tests are IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), anal fissures, gastric cancer, colon cancer, hemorrhoids, etc. Stool tests also help doctors know if there’s blood in a person’s stool, even if it’s not visible.
Stool tests work by identifying the bacteria or microorganisms in the stool sample taken. The presence of that particular microorganism indicates it has infected the intestines. However, there are a lot of healthy microorganisms in the intestines as well. Harmful bacteria or microorganism cause problems, and they are the ones that are detected with the help of these stool tests.
In this blog, we’ll list down different types of stool tests, how they are performed, their purpose, and what the findings indicate.
Test for Ova and Parasite
The test for ova and parasites checks for certain parasites or their eggs in a person’s stool sample. Doctors usually order this test when a person is experiencing symptoms like frequent diarrhea, slight abdominal pain, fever, headache, mucus or blood in stool, vomiting, or nausea.
The stool sample will have to be collected at home. Make sure there’s no toilet water, urine, or other substance mixed with the sample. Return the sample to the lab in the container provided by them.
If the test result is positive, it means there could be one or more bacteria in your stool and, subsequently, the intestines. The types of bacteria that can result in a positive test are Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium, tapeworms, roundworms, flatworms, etc.
White Blood Cell Stool Test
A white blood cell test determines whether white blood cells or leukocytes are in a person’s stool. The job of WBC is to help the body combat any infection. They are a part of a person’s immune system.
The presence of leukocytes might signify that you have a bacterial infection in your intestines. It could also mean you have an inflammation in your digestive system. Doctors usually order the WBC test when a person is experiencing watery diarrhea along with fever and extreme fatigue for 4 or more days.
The sample has to be collected at home and will need to be returned without any contamination. The test results, if negative, mean a person doesn’t have an infection as there are no leukocytes in the stool. If the test results are positive, it indicates leukocytes in a person’s stool. The higher the leukocytes, the more chances of bacterial infection in the digestive system.
H.Pylori Antigen Test
H.Pylori bacteria, short for Helicobacter Pylori, can infect the digestive system. The symptoms of the infection caused by this bacteria vary from individual to individual. Some people might not even experience symptoms, while others can have peptic ulcers, inflammation of their stomach (gastritis), or even stomach cancer.
The test is usually ordered when a doctor suspects the presence of an H.Pylori infection or when the doctor wants to see the progress of the treatment for this particular infection.
In this test, the stool sample a person provides is tested by putting the sample in small vials and adding chemicals to test it. If the stool sample turns blue, this indicates the presence of H.Pylori. Make sure any substance doesn’t contaminate the stool sample before you return it to the lab.
Fecal Occult Blood Test
This test is ordered by doctors to check if there is the presence of blood in a person’s stool. A small amount of blood can signify problems like polyps, non-cancerous growth on the mucous membrane, ulcers, diverticulosis, colitis, hemorrhoids, or colorectal cancer.
Testing positive for fecal occult tests only determines that there’s blood in the stool. This blood could be due to any of the reasons mentioned above and not certainly because of cancer. Your doctor will determine the problem with further tests and diagnose it appropriately.
FOBT is a considerably old testing technique. It’s also considered outdated and the results are not very accurate. The newer version of FOBT, which is iFOBTS, also called immunochemical tests, is far more accurate but costs more as well.
Stool DNA Test
Stool DNA tests can detect unusual or abnormal DNA in a stool sample. The abnormal DNA can be present in the stool due to non-cancerous polyps or cancer of the colon, which is why stool DNA tests are a type of screening test for cancer or pre-cancerous polyps. These screening tests are done for people who are not experiencing symptoms. When a person has cancer or a pre-cancerous polyp in their digestive system, it might result in the shedding of abnormal DNA.
Positive results of the test indicate the presence of abnormal DNA, after which the doctor will perform further tests required to diagnose you, for example, a colonoscopy. In case there are no polyps or cancer detected after getting positive results from the stool DNA test, no further tests are done by the doctor.
Mobile Phlebotomy Services for Stool Testing
If you need a stool test for any reason, there’s no need to go to a lab and wait to get the test done. Phlebotomy on Wheels is a trustworthy mobile lab service provider VA. Although it’s known for its home blood draw services, the company offers more than just that. Their services include a collection of urine/stool samples from your home, 24-hour mobile blood draw, paternity or pregnancy testing, specimen pickup/delivery, and more. Click the link to schedule your appointment, or contact them now for further details.
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice.
About the Author
Dr. Charles McLoyd is a phlebotomy technician and has been practicing since the last 5 years. He has been associated with Phlebotomy On Wheels for over 2 years now and aims to provide people with hassle-free phlebotomy services at their homes without wasting their time.
