Before we tell you how to take a stool test, we will tell you why it (analysis) is needed at all. The fact is that during this analysis they look at the appearance of feces, as well as at the results of its chemical and microscopic studies. Read more about this in our article.
Why is it needed?
This analysis is taken solely to determine the degree of functioning of certain organs of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, as well as for the timely detection of potential internal bleeding and the presence of parasites.
Using this research method, doctors diagnose certain inflammatory or ulcerative diseases of the digestive system, check the normal functioning of the liver and pancreas, and also pay attention to the composition of the intestinal microflora.
How to pass a stool test
Preparation
You probably think that there is some specific methodology and preparation for this analysis? No, friends! There is no special preparation for how to take a stool test. The only exception is research aimed at testing the degree of absorption of food. These are special situations. In this case, the patient, before taking a stool test, is prescribed a special diet. For example, if studies are carried out on occult blood, then a person needs to exclude any meat, green vegetables and fish from the diet. So, let's look at the generally accepted order of collection of feces.
General order of how to take a stool test
- Prepare a sterile container (or matchbox).
- Take care of emptying your bladder in advance. This is to ensure that some urine does not enter the stool when you push.
- Before starting a bowel movement, disinfect (pour boiling water over) suitable dishes for this. If you are going to poop in the toilet and then use a match to take feces from there, then disinfect the toilet and the match.
- Usually 10 ml of stool is required. Translated into Russian, these numbers mean 2 teaspoons. Collect the required amount of faeces in a sterile container or in a matchbox, close tightly with a lid and deliver to the laboratory. Don't forget to give your referral, otherwise you'll not only be worried about getting a second stool test, but you'll waste a lot of time getting another referral.
If the study is focused on hidden bleeding, then doctors, examining our excrement, look for and determine the presence of any damage to the internal organs. In addition, there is the delivery of feces for dysbacteriosis.
Fecal analysis for dysbacteriosis
Here is a list of the basic requirements for a stool test for dysbacteriosis:
- feces should be collected before starting medication (medication);
- only fresh feces are examined, which was collected no later than 3 hours before it was studied;
- excrement collection must be carried out under the most sterile conditions, otherwise the analysis results will be distorted.
