Stool culture

Overview
A stool test is one where fecal matter is collected for analysis to diagnose the presence or absence of a medical condition.

Fecal occult blood test
One of the most common stool tests, the Fecal occult blood test can be used to diagnose many conditions that cause in bleeding in the gastrointestinal system including Colorectal cancer or Stomach cancer.

Microbiology tests
Parasitic diseases such as Ascariasis, Hookworm, Strongyloidiasis and Whipworm can be diagnosed by examining stools under a microscope for the presence of worm larvae or eggs. Some bacterial diseases can be detected with a stool culture. Toxins from bacteria such as Clostridium difficile ('C. diff.') can also be identified. Viruses such as rotavirus can also be found in stools.

Chemical tests
A fecal pH test may be used determine lactose intolerance or the presence of an infection. Steatorrhea can be diagnosed using a Fecal fat test that checks for the malabsorption of fat.