ROUTINE STOOL EXAMINATION

Digestive issues are quite frequent, and symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, or irregularity in excretion may have some causes. These symptoms may sometimes be short-term or long-lasting.

When the doctor is making a diagnosis to find out the causes of these symptoms, the most commonly used test is a Stool R/E test.

The test involves analysis of a stool sample at a laboratory in order to look for indications of infection, germs, blood, mucus, undigested food, or any other irregularities in stool. As providing stool is not very pleasant and probably embarrassing for many people, the test itself is quite easy and gives a lot of useful information for a person. The price for the stool R/E test is INR 100 to INR 400.

What is a Stool R/E Test?

Stool Routine Examinations mean the analysis of a sample of stool for any defects in the visual, chemical, and microscopic content of the stool. The stool examination procedure suggests some hints about the functioning of the intestines. Depending on the information, patients’ symptoms, and the directives from the attending doctor, the stool examination may help detect any signs of intestinal disease, parasite infestation, the presence of blood in the stool, and other digestive problems which occur in the gastrointestinal tract.

The ordinary stool examination can’t always be used for detecting all the diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. What the stool examination indeed does is to provide doctors with some information which should be considered together with the patient’s clinical picture, medical history, physical examination, and other forms of examination.

Why is a Stool R/E Test recommended?

A doctor may recommend a stool routine examination when a person has persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms.

Common reasons for the test include:

• Frequent or prolonged loose stools
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Unexplained changes in bowel habits
• Blood or mucus in stool
• Suspected intestinal infection
• Suspected worm or parasitic infection
• Unexplained weight loss
• Digestive discomfort or bloating
• Nausea associated with gastrointestinal symptoms
• Suspected inflammation of the digestive tract

What does the Stool R/E Test check?

A routine stool examination generally involves looking at the sample in several ways.

1. Physical Examination

The laboratory may first assess the appearance of the stool. This can include observations such as:

• Colour
• Consistency
• Texture
• Presence of visible mucus
• Presence of blood
• Presence of unusual material

2. Microscopic Examination

A small portion of the sample may be examined under a microscope. This is an important part of the stool routine examination.

The laboratory may look for:

• Parasite eggs
• Cysts
• Protozoa
• Worm-related material
• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Yeast or other organisms
• Undigested food particles

3. Other Observations

Additional results are sometimes reported based on the laboratory test's method and the physician's needs. Thus, a routine test generally provides a comprehensive picture instead of focusing on only one disease.

How should you prepare for a Stool R/E Test?

A routine stool test has the benefit of employing simple preparation methods. Remember to adhere to the instructions provided by your physician or diagnostic laboratory.

In most cases:

• Use a clean, dry container provided or recommended by the laboratory.
• Avoid mixing the sample with urine or water.
• Do not collect the sample directly from toilet water.
• Make sure the container is properly closed after collection.
• Provide the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible, according to the laboratory's instructions.

How is the stool sample collected?

Obtaining a sample is simple and can be done at home or as per the directions from the lab.

First, defecate onto a clean and dry surface or into a clean container. The stool should not touch urine or water. Then, using the tool that comes with the sample container, take a small amount of stool and put it in the container. Make sure that the container is closed properly and labelled correctly. Only a small amount of stool is required for most tests. You do not need to fill the container.

What can be seen in a Stool R/E Test?

A stool examination can reveal several findings that may help explain digestive symptoms.

• Red Blood Cells
• White Blood Cells
• Parasites and Their Eggs
• Mucus
• Undigested Food Material

What does a normal Stool R/E result mean?

When a report is described as normal, it means that no major abnormality was detected within the tests done.

For instance, it could mean that the laboratory did not find any considerable amount of blood constituents, slime or foreign entities.

Nonetheless, a stool R/E report being normal means that not all gut issues have been excluded.

Certain conditions need specialised tests to check for the presence of disease. Based on the symptoms, a doctor may suggest a stool culture, occult blood test, antigen test, molecular test, or a similar exam.

What does an abnormal result mean?

A stool test that produces an abnormal result doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a severe condition.

Abnormal results have different interpretations.

To illustrate, a test that detects the presence of parasites or their ova suggests that someone may have a parasite infection. An increase in white blood cells points to a possibility of inflammation or an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, while blood in the stool may imply that there is bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and requires further tests.

The interpretation of abnormal results depends on the symptoms, age, medical history, and results of the other tests.

Does the test detect worms?

Indeed, examination of stool could be beneficial in the discovery of some forms of intestinal parasites or their eggs/cysts. However, parasitic infection might not be detected via a single stool sample. Certain parasites are shed only intermittently, so they may not always be detected through every stool sample examination.

In case of visible symptoms, despite negative results of stool examination, the doctor may suggest repeating the tests or prescribing another test specifically targeting a suspected parasite.

Is the Stool R/E Test painful?

For that reason, the procedure should not cause discomfort since it entails collecting stool samples only.

Managing to collect a stool sample is where the trouble begins for some people. In truth, if one adheres to the guidelines and makes use of the container that comes along with the test, the whole experience becomes a piece of cake.

How long does the Test take?

There may be different wait times for obtaining a report, depending on the laboratory and the volume of work as well as the need for further examination.

In case of tests that do not require any special procedures, results are usually available in no time. Patients are advised to check the anticipated reporting time with the testing facility when submitting samples.

What are the important things to remember?

Before submitting a stool sample, remember these simple points:

• Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory.
• Use a clean and appropriate container.
• Prevent the sample from mixing with urine or toilet water.
• Do not add anything to the sample unless specifically instructed.
• Inform your doctor about medicines and supplements you are taking.
• Deliver the sample within the recommended time.
• Do not interpret an abnormal result without medical guidance.
• A normal result does not necessarily rule out every digestive condition.

Why prefer City Imaging and Clinical Labs for the Stool R/E Test?

Our advantages include:

• High-quality testing standards
• Advanced diagnostic laboratory
• Friendly and compassionate staff
• Comprehensive healthcare support
• Accurate and timely reports
• Hygienic sample collection
• Experienced pathology professionals
• Affordable diagnostic packages

How to book a Stool R/E test online at City Imaging?

City Imaging’s website or call can be used by a patient to set an appointment for a Stool R/E test. Home sample collection is also done by a technician visit after booking collection using their website. The reports will be provided to you via email so you don’t have to go anywhere or visit the lab personally.

Which Stool R/E test centre is near me?

Delhi-based City Imaging has state-of-the-art medical equipment that enables precise testing. Here, well-trained employees compassionately and carefully respond to your enquiries. All of the tests that City Imaging offers are reasonably priced, and low-income people can take advantage of special price breaks.

What is the price of a Stool R/E test in Delhi?

The Stool R/E test can be performed in Delhi at a price that ranges from INR 100 to INR 400. The price may vary slightly depending on the machine used, location and type of test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an R/E stool test?

R/E stool test is a method of examination of stool samples for the presence of abnormal particles in it like parasites, eggs of worms, and blood cells present inside the normal stool as well as some more unusual signs. This examination helps physicians to establish the presence of any disease of the intestine and any other trouble with digestion.

How does one collect stool samples for stool tests?

Stool samples should be taken in a clean and dry container recommended by the lab. It is important not to mix stool samples with urine, water, or cleaning products.

Is stool R/E examination painful?

No, there is no pain involved in the examination as it presupposes just a collection of stool samples.

What are the other names of Stool R/E Test?

It is also called Routine Stool Examination or Stool Test.

Can a stool R/E test discover worms or parasites?

The answer is yes. The microscopic examination can result in the discovery of specific parasites, their eggs, or cysts.

Can a negative stool report mean that everything is fine?

A normal test indicates that no major variations have been found in the tested parameters.