Children with stomach pain or poor weight gain are among the most common patients. To book or pick up a container, call 8872524007.
What the Stool Test test checks
Physical examination: colour, consistency (formed, soft, loose or watery), and whether mucus, blood or visible worms are present.
Chemical tests: occult blood (blood too little to see), pH and reducing substances, which can point to sugar intolerance in children.
Microscopy: the technician looks for:
- ova (eggs) and cysts of worms and parasites, such as roundworm, hookworm, Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica
- moving trophozoites, the active form of some parasites
- pus cells and red blood cells, which suggest inflammation or infection of the bowel
- fat globules and undigested food particles
Why your doctor may order it
- Loose motions lasting more than a few days, or diarrhoea with blood or mucus.
- Stomach pain, bloating, gas or nausea that keeps coming back.
- Anaemia, especially in children and women, where hookworm can be a hidden cause.
- Itching around the anus or worms seen in stool.
- Weight loss or poor growth in a child.
Water and food hygiene issues tend to rise in the rainy months, and so do gut infections. If your doctor suspects a urinary cause for symptoms too, a urine routine test can be done at the same visit.
How to prepare
No fasting. Pass stool into a clean, dry bedpan, potty or a sheet of plastic, not straight into the toilet. Using the spoon in the container, take a portion about the size of a walnut (or a few spoons if loose), including any part with blood or mucus. Avoid mixing in urine, water or toilet paper.
Close the lid tightly, label it with the name and time, and bring it within an hour or two. Some parasites die quickly once stool cools. Tell us about any antacids, antibiotics or deworming tablets taken in the past week.
Sample type and report time
A fresh stool sample in the clean, screw-cap container we give you. Reports are usually ready the same day if the sample reaches us by about 11 am. For small children or bedridden patients, home sample collection can pick the sample up; arrange it on 8872524007.
Understanding your results
"No ova or cysts seen" means none were found in this sample. Parasites are passed on and off, so doctors sometimes ask for three samples on different days before ruling them out. A report naming Giardia, amoeba or worm eggs gives your doctor a clear target. Pus cells and red cells suggest an inflamed bowel. A positive occult blood needs a doctor's follow-up, as it has many possible causes.
Your doctor reads the stool test with your symptoms and decides on treatment.
FAQ
How much stool do I need to bring?
About a walnut-sized piece, or two to three spoonfuls if it's loose. More isn't better.
Can I collect the sample the night before?
It's better fresh. If you must, keep it cool and bring it first thing, but tell us the collection time.
Why does my doctor want three stool samples?
Parasite eggs aren't present in every motion. Testing on different days catches more.
Where can I get a stool test near me in Banur?
If you're looking for a stool test near me in Banur, pick up a container from Alpha Laboratory on M.C. Road and bring the sample back the same morning.
Book at Alpha Laboratory
Alpha Laboratory is at Municipal Committee, M.C. Road, Banur, open daily from 7:00 am. For a stool test, call 8872524007 or WhatsApp us. The contact page has directions.