Routine examination Comprehensive examination by Microscopy - Stool Test

Reasons for Undergoing the Stool Test

A stool test, or a stool culture test, is an essential diagnostic tool that provides valuable insights into your gastrointestinal health. There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend a stool test, including:

• To identify the cause of an infection, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can lead to gastroenteritis or other infectious diseases
• To screen for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using tests like the faecal calprotectin test, which helps diagnose and monitor inflammation in the bowel, indicative of conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis
• To evaluate food absorption by examining the presence of fat (steatorrhea), sugars, or other nutrients in the stool, which can indicate malabsorption syndromes
• To detect hidden blood or DNA changes in the stool that could suggest bowel cancer or polyps, using tests like the immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and stool DNA tests
• To diagnose Clostridium difficile infection, a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhoea after antibiotic use
• To assess other health conditions, such as pancreatic function, biliary obstructions, and various gastrointestinal disorders

List of Parameters Considered During the Stool Test

When conducting a stool test, several parameters are analysed to provide comprehensive understanding of your gastrointestinal health. These parameters include:

• Microscopic examination: This involves checking for the presence of leukocytes (white blood cells) that can indicate inflammation or infection, as well as identifying bacteria, viruses, parasites, and their eggs or ova
• Chemical tests: These tests detect occult blood (hidden blood), which could signify colon cancer, polyps, haemorrhoids, or other bleeding sites in the digestive tract; they also measure fat (steatorrhea) and sugars (reducing substances) to diagnose malabsorption syndromes
• Immunologic tests: Tests like the faecal calprotectin test measure inflammation in the bowel to diagnose and monitor IBD, while others detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that can cause ulcers and gastritis
• Microbiologic tests: Stool culture tests identify the types of bacteria present, helping diagnose bacterial infections and determine appropriate antibiotic treatment
• Macroscopic examination: This involves assessing the colour, consistency, quantity, odour, and presence of mucus in the stool, which can provide clues about various gastrointestinal disorders

Home Collection for Stool Test Near You

Understanding the importance of convenience and accessibility, Metropolis Healthcare offers a stress-free home collection service for stool test. Our trained phlebotomists will visit your home to collect the sample, ensuring your safety and comfort. We maintain the highest standards of sample handling and transportation so that you can be assured that there will be no compromise on the accuracy of your stool test results.

Trust Metropolis Healthcare for timely, accurate reports and quality diagnostic solutions delivered conveniently to your doorstep. We are dedicated to support you to maintain your gastrointestinal health, all from the comfort and convenience of your home.