What is called stool test?

A stool test may also be referred to as a “stool sample,” a “stool culture” or “fecal sample.” This type of test looks at fecal matter for evidence of a medical condition. The test may look for evidence of infection, allergy, blood or digestive problems. Some stool tests are not cultures.

What diseases can a stool sample show?

Helicobacter pylori infection can be detected by stool testing, for instance; this is the bacteria better known for its role in causing stomach ulcers….Stool Tests Can Help Diagnose:

Pancreatic insufficiency.
Fat malabsorption.
Bleeding in the digestive tract.
Certain infections.
Inflammatory bowel diseases.

What is the medical term for a stool sample?

Test, stool occult blood: A test to see whether there is blood in the bowel movement. Also called a fecal occult blood test: A test to check for microscopic blood in stool. (Fecal refers to stool. Occult means hidden.) Abbreviated stool OB.

What tests are done on a stool sample?

The stool may be examined for hidden (occult) blood, fat, meat fibres, bile, white blood cells, and sugars called reducing substances. The pH of the stool also may be measured. A stool culture is done to find out if bacteria may be causing an infection.

How many types of stool tests are there?

There are two main types of stool tests to choose from. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) detects the presence of blood in your feces. The second type, a stool DNA test, detects the presence of genetic material from polyps and cancerous tumors.

What will a stool sample reveal?

The stool culture is a test that detects and identifies bacteria that cause infections of the lower digestive tract. The test distinguishes between the types of bacteria that cause disease (pathogenic) and the types that are normally found in the digestive tract (normal flora).

What is the medical term for a fecal occult blood test?

A guaiac fecal occult blood test (FOBT) checks for occult (hidden) blood in the stool. Small samples of stool are placed on a special card and returned to a doctor or laboratory for testing.

What is FOBT medical term?

The fecal occult blood test (FOBT) is a lab test used to check stool samples for hidden (occult) blood. Occult blood in the stool may indicate colon cancer or polyps in the colon or rectum — though not all cancers or polyps bleed.

What does normal mean on a stool test?

A normal result means the test did not detect any blood in the stool. However, because cancers in the colon may not always bleed, you may need to do the test a few times to confirm that there is no blood in your stool.

What does it mean to have blood in your stool?

Blood in the stool may be an early sign of colon cancer. This test is performed to detect blood in the stool that you cannot see. This type of screening can detect problems that can be treated before cancer develops or spreads.

Can a fit test detect hidden blood in the stool?

It tests for hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of cancer. FIT only detects human blood from the lower intestines. Medicines and food do not interfere with the test.

Why do they test your stool for colon cancer?

Why the Test is Performed. Blood in the stool may be an early sign of colon cancer. This test is performed to detect blood in the stool that you cannot see. This type of screening can detect problems that can be treated before cancer develops or spreads.