What does a stool test check for?

Are you feeling digestive discomfort and wondering what’s wrong? Don’t panic! A stool test can help identify underlying issues to ease your concerns. Here, we break down everything you need to know about this stinky subject.

How Do You Get Tested?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of poop analysis, let’s first understand how it works. Your doctor will provide you with an at-home kit or request that one be collected on-site during a visit.

Kit Collection

  • Follow manufacturer instructions included in the kit
  • Collect stool sample in provided container
  • Label correctly

(Tip: Don’t forget to properly clean your hands after handling!)

Side Note: It’s best to collect from specimens without urine/upper toilet contamination since they may interfere with testing results.

On-Site Sampling

If collecting samples at the clinic or lab sounds more appealing than doing it yourself, here are some things you should expect:

  1. You’ll be given supplies such as gloves, tissue paper for wiping and collection containers.
  2. Once finished, label each container accurately before handing them over.
  3. The experts take over!

No matter which method is chosen for sampling fecal matter,\n The next steps remain generally similar across all types of analysis.

Types of Stool Tests

There are several variations of poop tests available depending on suspected diagnoses:

1) Ova & Parasites (O&P)

This type examines human excrement under microscopic conditions by analyzing egg structures & parasite presence commonly linked with intestinal infections.Fun Fact: Only female pinworms lay eggs!

2) Culture Test

In this type,insert medical term bacteria already present inside stools are grown/inhibited deliberately via changes made in temperature/other conditions to determine whether certain organisms grow excessively e.g E.coli.

3) Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

This tests whether there is hidden blood in a person’s feces. The presence of minute traces of blood may be a warning sign of several health conditions, especially Colon cancer.

4) Stool DNA Tests

Such analysis identifies any potentially dangerous pieces of genetic material related to cancer, infections and more.

Side Note: It’s important for patients to remember that stool dna testing does NOT replace colonoscopies when required.

Conditions That can Be Detected Through Stool Analysis

Now let’s take a look at the many possible results from poop tests:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

If you experience bloating, abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea or constipation; then these symptoms could be suggestive of IBS diagnosis. Physicians might request specialized laboratory examinations along with diagnosing based on only complaints stated by patients such as checking out inflammation signs via calprotectin levels which usually present themselves alongside this disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation within the intestines often indicates an autoimmune disorder known as IBD – Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis being notable examples. Prompt detection can prevent adverse effects like internal bleeding not to mention other complications associated with prolonged treatment/monitoring process.\n Correct identification aids targeted medication prescribing efforts allowing better long term management over time.

Intestinal Infections

The culprits behind food poisoning commonly include bacteria (e.g Salmonella ), virus (e.g noroviruses) parasites( e.g Giardia) etc_. An accurate diagnosis aids medical practitioners in choosing right/appropriate antibiotics to kill off harmful organisms so healthy bacteria living inside your digestive tract won’t get unintentionally harmed during treament._

Malabsorption Syndromes

Since optimal nutrient absorption occurs through small intestine as broken down molecules are assimilated into our bloodstream; malabsorption may be a possible issue for anyone with conditions like lactose intolerance, celiac disease etc_. The diarrheas that stem from malasmoprtion/reduction in proper digestion can slso worsen certain nutrient deficienciesespecially when excrement is left untreated._

Pancreatic Insufficiency

Insufficient levels of lipase+other enzymes produced by pancreas to break down fats causes food complications disorders such as steatorrhea/necessary changes should be made in diet plus long-term enzyme replacement therapy instituted./

GI Cancer

Cancers aren’t regularly reported through stool analysis however malignancies within the gastrointestinal tract or colon cancer have increased risk signals detectable during routine screening involving anal examination,fecal blood stool tests/stool DNA testing.

These are only some of the possible ailments that your poop speaks about! So don’t take any chances and get tested today!

Final Thoughts

Now you know much more about stool tests than probably ever before! You learned how it’s done, its different types along with what prostate specific antigen (PSA) and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) mean on lab results. So ensure every time you sit atop the throne ,lingering health issues can potentially reveal themselves thus allowing expedited treatment plans if required because remember- ignoring warning signs could compromise one’s wellbeing over time.Even though it isn’t usually talked about,this taboo subject might possibly save your life someday!

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