What are stool specimens?

A stool test may also be referred to as a “stool sample,” a “stool culture” or “fecal sample.” This type of test looks at fecal matter for evidence of a medical condition. The test may look for evidence of infection, allergy, blood or digestive problems. Some stool tests are not cultures.

What is a stool specimen used for?

A stool test is also known as stool culture, faecal sample test or stool sample test. The test helps in diagnosing medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or colon cancer, anal fissures, haemorrhoids, as well as to detect the presence of blood in your stool sample.

What is the medical term for stool test?

Test, stool occult blood: A test to see whether there is blood in the bowel movement. Also called a fecal occult blood test: A test to check for microscopic blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool. Occult means hidden.)

Can a stool sample detect inflammatory bowel disease?

A stool sample can be checked for signs of infection, as gastroenteritis (infection of the stomach and bowel) can sometimes have similar symptoms to ulcerative colitis. Blood tests may also be carried out to check for anaemia and to see if there’s inflammation on any part of your body.

When collecting a stool specimen?

Collect Stool Specimens At Home Instructions No special preparation is required before collecting a stool specimen (sample). You should be given a sterile cup to collect the specimen at home. Collect the specimen as follows: • Urinate before collecting the stool so that you do not get any urine in the stool sample.

How do you take a stool sample?

Open up one of the containers that the doctor gave you. There should be a small shovel-like tool attached to the cap of the container. Use the shovel to scoop a small bit of stool into the container. Try to take some stool from each end and from the middle. The size of the sample will vary somewhat with the test.

How to keep a stool specimen overnight?

Place the sample into a container. The medical facility requesting the sample should have provided you with a container to collect the sample.

Seal the container and identify the sample. Screw on the cap tightly.

it must be refrigerated and taken to the doctor or lab within two hours.

What does stool sample show?

Stool sample tests can help your doctor rule out an infection or parasite in your colon. They can also show if there is blood in your stool that you can’t see.

What are stool specimens? A stool test may also be referred to as a “stool sample,” a “stool culture” or “fecal sample.” This type of test looks at fecal matter for evidence of a medical condition. The test may look for evidence of infection, allergy, blood or digestive problems. Some stool tests are not cultures.…