How Do Stool Tests Work?

Written By Shellie Fellows

While they may not be the most glamorous topic, stool tests can provide crucial insights into your gut health.

So why are stool tests important?

Your stool can reveal a lot of information about your digestive tract. Stool tests can help diagnose infections, inflammation, malabsorption and blood, which may be an indication of more sinister pathology.

Several different stool tests are available to diagnose digestive issues.

These include a faecal occult blood test (FOBT). This test checks for hidden blood in the stool, which may not be visible to the naked eye. This may indicate bleeding in the digestive tract. It may occur due to hemorrhoids, fissures or ulcers.

In Australia, we use occult blood testing in the stool as a screening modality for bowel cancer.

Individuals aged 45 to 74 are recommended to have an occult blood test every two years. Individuals outside of these age groups may also be indicated to have a stool test performed.

Stool culture and PCR.

This test identifies bacteria or other microorganisms that may be causing an infection. Fecal elastase. This test measures an enzyme in the stool that helps to digest fat. When this enzyme is low, it may suggest that you have malabsorption, particularly related to your pancreas.

Preparation for a stool test.

To ensure accurate results, it's important to follow your doctor's instructions for collecting a stool sample. This may involve using a special collection kit and avoiding certain medications or foods before the test. It may not be the most glamorous test to perform, but it can be very valuable to identify disorders of the gastrointestinal tract early.

Remember, if you're experiencing persistent digestive symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional.

Additional videos on a range of common conditions are available to view on the Gastroenterology Specialist Care YouTube channel.

Note, this video is not a medical consultation. Any medical information is general in nature and is not intended to provide individual clinical advice. You should contact your doctor or other healthcare professional in relation to any concerns they may have, as your own circumstances may be different.

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