Stool tests

Stool Tests

Stool tests (pronunciation: /stuːl tɛsts/) are a variety of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can include infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria), poor nutrient absorption, or cancer.

Etymology

The term "stool" comes from the Old English word "stōl", which means "seat, chair". In medical context, it refers to the waste product from the digestive tract that is expelled from the body during a bowel movement. The term "test" comes from the Old French "test", meaning "small vessel".

Types of Stool Tests

• Fecal occult blood test (FOBT): This test is used to detect blood in the feces that may not be visible to the naked eye. It can be used to diagnose conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal cancer, and peptic ulcers.

• Stool culture: This test is used to detect and identify bacteria or parasites that could be causing a gastrointestinal infection.

• Ova and parasites (O&P) test: This test is used to detect the presence of parasites and their eggs in a person's gastrointestinal tract.

• Fecal fat test: This test measures the body's ability to absorb fat by checking the amount of fat in the feces.

• Clostridium difficile toxin test: This test is used to detect harmful substances (toxins) produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile.

Related Terms

• Feces: The waste product from the digestive tract that is expelled from the body during a bowel movement.

• Digestive tract: The series of organs in the body where food is broken down and absorbed.

• Bowel movement: The process of eliminating waste from the body through the rectum and anus.

• Gastrointestinal infection: An infection in the digestive tract that can cause symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

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