Stool Examination / Stool Routine & Microscopy
Purpose:
The stool test is performed to check the health of the digestive system and detect:
Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites
Digestive disorders or malabsorption
Bleeding in the digestive tract
Inflammatory bowel diseases
Liver or pancreatic problems
Sample Type:
Fresh stool sample collected in a clean, dry, wide-mouth container
Usually morning sample preferred
Types of Stool Tests:
Type of Test Purpose / What it Detects
Stool Routine & Microscopy Checks color, consistency, mucus, pus cells, red blood cells, ova, cysts, parasites, and undigested food.
Stool Occult Blood Test (OBT) Detects hidden (occult) blood in stool – may indicate ulcers, polyps, or colon cancer.
Stool Culture & Sensitivity Identifies bacteria (like Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli) causing infection and determines effective antibiotics.
Stool for Ova & Parasite (O&P) Detects intestinal parasites and their eggs (e.g., Giardia, Amoeba, Worms).
Stool Reducing Substances Test Checks sugar malabsorption, especially in children.
Stool Fat Test Measures fat content in stool – used to diagnose malabsorption or pancreatic disorders.
Calprotectin Test Detects intestinal inflammation (used for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis).
Parameters Examined in Routine Stool Test:
1. Physical Examination
Parameter Normal Findings
Color Brown
Consistency Soft, well-formed
Odor Mild
Mucus Absent
Blood Absent
Undigested Food Absent
2. Microscopic Examination
Parameter Normal Findings
Pus Cells 0–1 / HPF
RBCs Nil
Ova / Parasites / Cysts Absent
Fat Globules Absent
Yeast / Bacteria Normal flora present
Test Duration:
Results are usually available within 24 hours for routine tests
Culture test may take 48–72 hours
Abnormal Results May Indicate:
Infection: Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection
Inflammation: Colitis, Crohn’s disease
Bleeding: Ulcers, hemorrhoids, cancer
Malabsorption: Celiac disease, pancreatic insufficiency
Preparation / Instructions:
Avoid antibiotics, antacids, or antiparasitic drugs 2–3 days before sample collection
Do not contaminate sample with urine or water
Collect stool in a sterile container and deliver to the lab within 1 hour