|
|
|
|
|
| Definition: |
This is a laboratory test to screen the feces for organisms that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and diseases.
|
| Alternative Names: |
Stool smear
|
| How the test is performed: |
Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then, put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.
Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.
A small amount of a feces sample is applied to a microscope slide and examined for the presence of abnormal organisms. A stain may be applied that highlights certain organisms under the microscope. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
| A collection container will be provided for the stool specimen. Return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. The sample should not include toilet tissue or urine. |
| How the test will feel: |
| There is no discomfort. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| The test is performed as a screening tool to detect the presence of abnormal organisms in the gastrointestinal tract. It may be performed if severe, persistent, or recurrent diarrhea of an unknown cause is present. The results can be used to determine antibiotic therapy. |
| Normal Values: |
| Normal intestinal organisms are present. |
| What the risks are: |
| There are no risks. |
| Special considerations: |
| Other tests may indicate more specific causes of infection. |
|
|
Review Date: 1/8/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
