Due to the snowstorm impacting our area, some health care operations have changed for the safety of our patients, their loved ones and our team members. View the latest updates here.
Your doctor may order a stool test to help diagnose a variety of gastrointestinal issues ranging from viral, bacterial and parasitic infections to absorption disorders, bowel disease and cancer. Typically, the patient is provided with a container to collect a stool sample and asked to bring it back to the physician’s office, where it can be sent to a lab for microscopic and chemical analysis. Patients who are experiencing unexplained symptoms such as excessive gas, chronic and/or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and others may have this testing done. Another scenario in which such testing may be needed is when the physician suspects the presence of a malabsorption syndrome, where an insufficient amount of certain nutrients is being absorbed by the intestines. Be aware that any medications you are taking can impact the results of a stool test, and ask your doctor if you are uncertain about which ones to avoid prior to providing a stool sample.
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