What are the normal results for stool exam and the negative results also?

Answer 1

A stool analysis is a number of tests done on a sample of stool (feces) to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract, including infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria), poor absorption, or cancer.

For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean container and then sent for laboratory analysis. Laboratory analysis consists of microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. A complete stool analysis includes an examination of the physical characteristics of the stool for color, consistency, weight (volume), shape, odor, and the presence of mucus. The stool can be examined for hidden (occult) blood, fat, meat fibers, bile, white blood cells (leukocytes), and sugars (called reducing substances). The pH of the stool also may be measured.

A stool culture is done mainly to identify organisms (such as bacteria) that may be causing an infection.

Stool Analysis

Results

Stool analysis test results usually take at least 1 to 3 days.

Stool analysis

Normal:

The stool appears brown, soft, and well-formed in consistency.

No blood, mucus, pus, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are present in the stool.

The shape of the stool is tubular, reflecting its passage through the colon.

Normal pH of stool is about 6.

Less than 2 milligrams per gram (mg/g) of certain sugars called reducing factors are present in the stool.

Abnormal:

Increased volume of stool may indicate poor absorption of fats.

Blood, mucus, pus, bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are present in the stool.

Low levels of certain enzymes (such as trypsin or elastase) may be present.

Reducing factors levels between 2 and 5 mg/g are considered borderline. Levels greater than 5 mg/g are abnormal.

Abnormal values may mean

• High levels of fat in the stool may indicate chronic pancreatitis, sprue, Crohn's disease, or cystic fibrosis.
• The presence of undigested meat fibers in the stool may indicate pancreatitis.
• An abnormal pH may indicate poor absorption of carbohydrates or fat.
• Low levels of certain enzymes (such as trypsin or elastase) may indicate digestive complications of cystic fibrosis or pancreatic insufficiency.
• The presence of blood in the stool indicates bleeding in the digestive tract.
• The presence of white blood cells in the stool may indicate bacterial diarrhea. A specific organism may be identified.
• Rotaviruses are a common cause of diarrhea in young children. If diarrhea is present, testing may be done to determine the presence of rotaviruses in the stool.
• High levels of reducing factors in the stool may indicate a problem digesting certain sugars (especially sucrase and lactase).

Dr. Abdulaziz Akila