4010. Stool Analysis

A stool test is a comprehensive laboratory analysis of stool that allows for an assessment of the digestive system: the stomach, pancreas, liver, small intestine, and large intestine. The analysis helps identify digestion, absorption, and intestinal motility disorders, as well as the presence of inflammation, parasites, or pathological impurities (blood, mucus, undigested food particles, etc.).

A stool test must be performed in conjunction with a occult blood test.

A stool test is a comprehensive description of the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of stool. It is part of a diagnostic examination of the digestive organs and gastrointestinal tract function. Stool is the end product of food digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, influenced by digestive enzymes, bile, gastric juice, and the activity of intestinal bacteria.

Stool is composed of water, which normally accounts for 70-80% of the water, and a dry residue. The dry residue, in turn, is 50% live bacteria and 50% undigested food residue.

A stool test is performed in two stages:

• Macroscopic assessment:
  • color;
  • consistency;
  • odor;
  • presence of impurities: mucus, blood, pus, food debris;
  • pH level.
• Microscopic examination:
  • Muscle fibers, connective tissue;
  • Neutral fat and fatty acids;
  • Starch (intracellular/extracellular);
  • Fiber (digested/undigested);
  • leukocytes, erythrocytes;
  • helminth eggs, protozoan cysts, fungi;
  • crystals, bacteria.

Normally, stool should not contain leukocytes, significant amounts of fat, muscle fibers, or starch. The presence of these elements indicates dysfunction of certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract (dyspepsia, pancreatic insufficiency, enteritis, colitis, etc.).

Even within normal limits, stool composition is largely variable. It largely depends on diet and fluid intake. Stool composition varies even more with various diseases. The amount of certain components in feces changes in the presence of pathology or dysfunction of the digestive organs, although abnormalities in other body systems can also significantly affect the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and, consequently, the composition of feces. The nature of changes in different types of diseases varies greatly.

When?

• For long-term or recurring digestive disorders (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation).
• For suspected inflammatory bowel disease (enteritis, colitis).
• For abdominal pain of unknown origin.
• In patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases, cystic fibrosis, and celiac disease.
• To monitor the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy or diet.
• Before surgery or routine examinations.

For whom?

• Adults and children with gastrointestinal complaints.
• Patients with suspected infectious or parasitic diseases.
• People with underweight or anemia.
• Children with digestive problems, frequent colic or developmental delays.

• Stool