Stool routine examination is the analysis of fecal matter in order to identify an underlying cause of gastrointestinal disorders, infections, poor absorption of nutrients, or any other medical condition such as cancer of...
What is stool routine examination?
Other names:
- Stool test
- Stool routine test
- Stool routine and microscopy
- Stool R/E
Stool routine examination is the analysis of fecal matter in order to identify an underlying cause of gastrointestinal disorders, infections, poor absorption of nutrient or any other medical condition such as cancer of gastrointestinal tract, which has led to signs and symptoms in the patient.
Stool sample can be analyzed based on physical traits, chemical traits and microscopic examination. These 3 broad categories are taken into account while performing routine examination of stool sample.
Other than these, stool sample can also be analyzed immunologically and microbiologically, but these don’t come under stool routine examination.
What is the purpose of stool routine examination?
Stool routine examination helps in the diagnosis of the underlying cause of digestive issues, which can be:
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Infections in Gastrointestinal Tract
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Poor absorption of fats (Malabsorption syndrome)
- Digestive tract bleeding
- Hemorrhoids
- Gastric and colonic cancers
What are the parameters of stool routine examination?
Fecal matter (stool sample) is analyzed based on visual characteristics i.e. macroscopic examination, chemical examination and microscopic examination. The following parameters are assessed during a stool routine examination:
Macroscopic (physical) Examination:
- Form
- Color
- Consistency
- Presence of blood
- Presence of mucus
Chemical examination:
- Occult blood
- pH of sample
- Water content
- Urobilinogen
- Lipids
- Reducing substances
Microscopic Examination:
- Red Blood Cells
- Pus cells
- Vegetative cells
- Trophozoites
- Cyst
- Ova
- Epithelial cells
- White Blood Cells
- Microorganisms – bacteria, yeast, virus, fungi
What is the procedure for stool routine examination?
A stool sample can be collected at home or at the diagnostic facility. You have to collect stool sample in a sterile and clean cup. Make sure to urinate first, so that you do not contaminate stool sample while collection. Wash your hands before and after sample collection to avoid spreading of infection. Label the container and submit the sample. Stool sample is then sent to lab for testing.
How to prepare for a stool routine examination?
Diet: certain food items can cause change in consistency and color of stool. Ask your doctor about what all food items to avoid before stool test.
Medication: medicines such as laxatives, diuretics, antibiotics etc. can affect test result, so avoid consumption of these before taking stool routine examination. Let your doctor know about your medicines and medical history so that the doctor can make an informed diagnosis.
Travel history: if you have traveled recently and then got sick, let your doctor know about the same to check for microbial infection.
Menstruation: it is advisable to avoid stool examination if you are menstruating.
When should I get a stool routine examination done?
Your doctor will prescribe a routine stool test if you have the following symptoms:
Are there any risks involved in getting stool routine examination?
No, there are no risks involved in getting stool routine examination. This test is non-invasive, therefore, it is safe.
Which lab is the best for getting stool routine examination?
The price of stool test varies from lab to lab. The lab which provides the best facilities at the most reasonable price is Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre. While choosing a lab for getting any type of diagnostic test done, few things should be kept in mind, such as, safety and care of patients and the professional behavior of the staff.
At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, patients come first, hence Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is one of the leading diagnostic centers.
Following stool tests are available at GDIC
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre for Urine tests?
Years of expertise backed by NABH and NABL accreditations.
It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre in Delhi NCR since 2001.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre have a professional team of skilled pathologists and radiologists.
Pathology testing is operational 24x7, 365 days!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre provide top-notch technology for diagnosis at the lowest price to its patients.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre offer a FLAT 50% OFF on many tests.
Free home sample collection and free ambulance service in Delhi NCR is also available.
Report of tests are 100% accurate and available digitally too.
Reports are available within 24 hours of sample collection.
Samples are collected in a hassle-free manner with utmost care and professionalism.
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the one-stop solution for getting all kinds of diagnostic tests and imaging done!
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre are empanelled with various prestigious government and private organizations such as:
- CGHS NHA
- NCDC
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- ECHS
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- DAK
- RAILWAYS
- BSES YAMUNA/ RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- TATA POWER LTD
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- ICAR
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
- MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
For more information regarding panels, click here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How to interpret the report of the stool test?
Consult your doctor if you get abnormal test report for stool routine examination. You doctor will make an informed diagnosis based on your age, gender, medication and medical history. Following finding are abnormal and a sign for you to consult your doctor:
Macroscopic examination
Abnormal stool color- normal color of fecal matter is brown. If your stool examination report states the following colors, it is abnormal – green, red, maroon, black, pale yellow, clay-colored.
Abnormal form and consistency- firm to soft consistency of stool is normal. If your stool examination report states liquid consistency or dry stool consistency, it is due to diarrhea or constipation, occurring due to some gastrointestinal issues.
Presence of blood and mucus- blood and mucus are not usually found in feces, so it is abnormal.
Chemical Examination
Occult blood in stool- occult blood test of stool sample detects the presence of blood in feces that is not visible during macroscopic examination. If it is positive, consult your doctor.
pH of sample- it should be alkaline ideally, but if it is acidic, it is not normal
Microscopic examination
RBCs, WBCs, vegetative cells, cyst, ova, fats, and pathogenic microorganisms are absent in stool samples ideally. Pus cells and epithelial cells are found in low amounts, which is normal.
What is the benefit of stool test?
Stool examination can help in identification of various disorders related to the gastrointestinal tract. It can also give an indication towards liver and pancreatic diseases. Routine stool examination hence becomes important for diagnosing, treating and avoiding further complications timely.
What is the price of stool test?
The price varies depending on the number of parameters being assessed in a test. It also varies from lab to lab depending upon the standard and location of lab. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is currently offering a FLAT 50% OFF on many tests hurry up and avail the discount!
- Stool Examination
- Stool Routine Examination and Microscopy
What does low pH mean in routine stool test?
Low pH of stool in routine stool examination can be due to the following reasons:
- Transient effect of diarrhea
- Allergy to particular food item
- Infection of GI tract
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Lactose intolerance
- E coli or rotavirus growth
- Presence of excess Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Low absorption of carbohydrates
What does the presence of mucus mean in routine stool tests?
Mucus in stool is normal only if it is present in very small amounts. Large amounts of mucus in stool indicate abnormalities in the body. Consult your doctor for professional advice. Following can be the reason for mucus in stool sample:
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Proctitis
- Intestinal Infection
- Colorectal Cancer
- Celiac Disease
- Intolerance towards certain food items (e.g. - lactose)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Intestinal parasites
How long for getting stool test report?
The test report for stool routine examination is given within 1-2 days of sample collection. If stool culturing is also ordered, it may take longer than 2 days for the report to arrive as culturing takes about 2 days.
