Stool Analysis

Fecal Analysis

What To Think About

• Stool may be checked for hidden (occult) blood. For more information, see the medical test Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT).
• A stool culture is done to find the cause of an infection, such as bacteria, a virus, a fungus, or a parasite. For more information, see the medical test Stool Culture.
• A bowel transit time test is done to help find the cause of abnormal movement of food through the digestive tract. For more information, see the medical test Bowel Transit Time.
• The D-xylose absorption test is done to help diagnose problems that prevent the small intestine from absorbing nutrients in food. This test may be done when symptoms of malabsorption syndrome (such as chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and weakness) are present. For more information, see the medical test D-Xylose Absorption Test.
• A stool analysis to measure trypsin or elastase is not as reliable as the sweat test to detect cystic fibrosis. For more information, see the medical test Sweat Test.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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