Stool examination & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is a stool examination?

Stool examination is a test that makes the stool the main sample in order to facilitate the diagnosis of diseases of the digestive system. Although it is no longer useful for the body, feces can provide important information about a person's health.

A complete stool examination is very useful for diagnosing problems related to infections (parasites, viruses, and bacteria), impaired absorption of nutrients, to cancer. This procedure is also effective for investigating specific symptoms, such as bloody bowel movements.

Stool samples will be collected in a clean container and sent to the laboratory. The examination is carried out by a laboratory analyst and includes chemical tests, microscopic tests, and microbiological tests.

Observation of stool samples includes a number of aspects, including color, consistency, amount, shape, odor, and the presence or absence of mucus. In addition, analysts often check blood levels, fat, meat fiber, and various other components.

In certain cases, the analyst may also need to separate a small amount of the stool sample for development in the laboratory. The goal is to find out whether bacteria in the feces can cause infection. This procedure is called a stool culture test.

Examination of a stool sample has no risk of side effects. However, you run the risk of being exposed to pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria found in stool samples. You can prevent this by washing your hands after collecting a stool sample.

Destination

What is the purpose of doing a stool examination?

Quoted from the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, stool examination is performed if you experience symptoms of indigestion that persist. Symptoms that need further investigation include:

• stomach cramps and pain,
• fever,
• nausea and vomiting,
• loss of appetite,
• prolonged flatulence
• diarrhea for days, as well
• Bloody or mucus stools.

However, the problem is that not everyone with digestive problems shows these signs. Therefore, the purpose of both stool examination and stool culture is broader and includes people with the following conditions.

• Children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems who get diarrhea.
• Shows symptoms of indigestion that don't get better without treatment.
• Experiencing symptoms of severe indigestion, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or other complications.
• Have had food poisoning that is suspected to be related to the plague or contaminated restaurant food.
• Experiencing nutrient absorption problems. This condition is characterized by the presence of fat in the feces. In fact, fat should be completely absorbed by the body.
• Experiencing problems with the organs or digestive tract. Digestive enzymes present in feces need to be examined to determine the function of the related organs.
• Have a high risk of colon cancer.
• Are infected with bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites such as pinworms.
• Have consumed food or liquids contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, including risky raw or undercooked foods.

Precautions and Warnings

What should I know before undergoing a stool examination?

A stool culture test is done to determine the cause of the infection, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Stool tests to measure the enzyme trypsin or elastase are not as reliable as a sweat test to detect cystic fibrosis.

Process

What should I do before undergoing a stool examination?

Before undergoing the test, you will be asked to stop taking any medications or supplements that could affect the test results. Tell your doctor at least 1-2 weeks before the stool exam is done.

Depending on the type of tests you are undergoing, you may need to stop taking antacid, anti-diarrheal, and anti-parasitic drugs. Regular users of prescription and non-prescription laxatives, antibiotics, and pain relievers also need to follow these recommendations.

In addition, make sure you also tell your doctor if you experience any of the following situations.

• Recently had an X-ray examination using a barium contrast material, such as a barium enema or upper gastrointestinal examination by swallowing barium. The reason is, the barium in the feces can interfere with the test results.
• Just traveled in the last few weeks or months, especially when abroad. This will help the doctor identify parasites, fungi, viruses, or bacteria that may be causing the problem.

If your doctor is going to test blood in stool, you may need to avoid certain foods for 2 - 3 days before the test. The types of foods to avoid depends on the type of test you are undergoing.

Do not test during menstruation, have active bleeding, or have problems with hemorrhoids (hemorrhoids). If you are not sure that you are fully prepared for this examination, try discussing it with your doctor.

How is the stool examination process?

This examination requires a sample of your stool. Here are steps you can take to collect stool samples safely.

1. Provide a loose plastic wrap over the toilet hole (on the toilet seat). Use this plastic wrap to collect your stool.
2. Transfer some of the stool sample to a clean container.
3. Try not to get urine, water, and toilet paper mixed with feces.

Apart from storing them in plastic bags, you can also use special equipment to collect stool samples. After the sample is collected, immediately submit it to the laboratory.

Meanwhile, for children who wear diapers, you can wrap the diapers in a plastic bag first. Position the plastic in such a way as to prevent urine from mixing with feces. This will result in a better stool sample.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

The laboratory has a score list to assess the condition of the stool sample. The range of scores can vary from one laboratory to another. Therefore, you need to understand what a normal score means from the laboratory where you have yourself checked out.

The report from your laboratory will usually contain what ranges they are using. The doctor will also study your test results, then relate them to your health condition and other factors.

Stool Examination
Normal:	Stool looks brown, soft, and has a good consistency
Stool is not bloody, slimy, festering, and does not contain undigested meat fibers, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Cylindrical stool
Stool pH ranges from 7.0–7.5
Stool contains less than 0.25 grams per deciliter (g / dL) less than 13.9 mmol per liter (mmol / L) sugar as a reducing factor
Stool contains 2-7 grams of fat per 24 hours (g / 24h)
Abnormal:	Stool is black, red, white, yellow, or green
Liquid or very hard stool
Too much stool
Stool contains blood, mucus, pus, undigested flesh fibers, harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites
Stool contains low levels of enzymes, such as trypsin or elastase
Stool pH less than 7.0 or more than 7.5
Stool contains 0.25 g / dL (13.9 mmol / L) sugar as a reducing factor
Stool contains more than 7 grams of fat per 24 hours (if your fat consumption is around 100 g per day)

There are many conditions that can affect the results of a stool examination. Your doctor will discuss with you any abnormal results that may be related to your symptoms and medical history.

What does an abnormal value mean?

Abnormal values ​​in the stool can be a clue to a variety of conditions. Here's an overview.

• High fat levels: pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), celiac disease, stomach ulcers, and similar disorders that affect fat absorption.
• High levels of meat fiber: disorders of the pancreas.
• High sugar levels: digestive problems and sugar absorption.
• Low stool pH (acidic stool): impaired absorption of carbohydrates or fats.
• High stool pH (alkaline stool): colitis (inflammation of the large intestine) and increased risk of cancer.
• The presence of blood: bleeding in the digestive tract.
• The presence of white blood cells: inflammation of the intestine or bacterial infection.

Stool examination is a procedure to detect various disorders of the digestive system through a stool sample. Some of the conditions often diagnosed this way are infections and impaired absorption of nutrients.

After the examination, your doctor can determine the cause of your digestive problem and your preferred method of treating it. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, you can consult your doctor further.