(Paumanhin po sa mga kumakain.)

We need to talk about “it.”

It’s not the most savory of topics, but I promise you, we’ll get through this together.

Stool contains a treasure trove of insights and information about the human body, so stool analysis is one of the tools doctors use to diagnose disease.   

Especially for some individuals, “#2” should be priority “#1.”

Why Do It?

For an individual with issues with his or her stomach, intestines, and rectum, fecal analysis can help look for diseases in the gastrointestinal tract. (It can also help screen for issues in the liver and pancreas.)

Doctors look for a whole range of indicators like bacteria, blood, viruses, parasites, mucus, pus, fats, and enzymes.  

The by-products of our gut provide valuable “gossip” on gastrointestinal health, absorption capacity, and microbiome balance.

There are many different kinds of stool tests and medical practitioners frequently rely on them to identify and manage a wide range of conditions, from gastrointestinal infections and inflammatory bowel diseases to malabsorption disorders and colorectal cancer.

(So what are you waiting for? Bring your sample to the nearest medical laboratory!)

Tips When Preparing A Sample

It’s no child’s play, but it’s also quite doable.

Here are some tips for a safe sample collection.

• Follow Dietary Restrictions: Some tests might require you to follow certain dietary restrictions before collection. You may also be asked to avoid certain medications like antacids, antibiotics, and NSAIDs. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.

• Avoid Sample Contamination:

- Use a collection kit.

- Use clean containers and disposable gloves.

- Avoid contact with urine.

- Avoid contact with toilet bowl, as well as cleaning products.

• Have a representative sample: Like urine, collect midstream or in the middle part of the bowel movement. And if possible, collect also from different parts of the bowel. (About a teaspoon of stool is sufficient for most tests.)

• Label properly: Provide complete information and ensure proper identification. Write your full name, date of birth, and the date and time of sample collection on the container label.

• Transport promptly: Stool samples should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible.

What Do They Do With “It?”

Just in case you’re wondering…examine its properties and look for a number of markers.

Macroscopic Examination: The first step involves observing the stool's color, consistency, and odor. Deviations from the norm could indicate various issues. For instance, pale stools might suggest a liver problem, while black, tarry stools could point to bleeding.

Microscopic Analysis: Under the microscope, samples are examined for the presence of various components, including red and white blood cells, undigested food particles, mucus, and parasites. Identifying these elements can help diagnose infections and disorders such as parasites, gastrointestinal bleeding, and inflammatory conditions.

Culture: They can grow the bacteria from the stool sample. By identifying the types of bacteria present and their susceptibility to antibiotics, healthcare providers can tailor treatment for bacterial infections.

Biochemical Tests: These tests focus on enzymes, fats, and other compounds present in stool. They are particularly useful in diagnosing malabsorption disorders like celiac disease, where the inability to absorb certain nutrients results in their inclusion in the stool.

Molecular Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques are used to detect the genetic material of specific pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria. This method is highly sensitive and helps diagnose infections that may not be easily identified through other means. 

What Could My Results Mean?

Interpreting the results of a stool analysis requires a nuanced understanding of the complex interactions within the digestive system. Your stool contains a wealth of information about your gastrointestinal health, so interpreting it accurately will require the expertise of a qualified medical professional.

Self-diagnosis based on the numbers and comments you see can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect conclusions.

It’s because the results may vary significantly from person to person. Diet, hydration, medications, underlying medical conditions, and even recent illnesses can all influence the composition of stool. Subtle changes in color, consistency, odor, or the presence of certain substances may not always be indicative of anything serious.

A licensed health professional, such as a gastroenterologist or a general practitioner, will consider your medical history, symptoms, and overall health status to provide a comprehensive understanding of what the results could mean for you. So they’re in a position to differentiate between normal variations and potential signs of underlying health problems.

That said here are some of the things labs look into…

Look Closer. . .

When it comes to poo, there’s more than meets the eye. The analysis could focus on different aspects:

Microbiome Analysis

Some stool analyses include a microbiome analysis, which provides insights into the composition of your gut microbiota—the community of microorganisms in the digestive tract. Imbalances in the microbiome have been linked to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity, autoimmune diseases, and even mental health issues. A microbiome analysis can spur some dietary and lifestyle interventions to promote a healthier gut environment.

Nutritional Absorption

The nutrients in your food are absorbed, and the by-products end up in stool. The test can look into the absorption of fats, nutrients, or enzymes and can provide insights into malabsorption disorders like celiac disease or pancreatic insufficiency. Addressing these issues involves dietary adjustments and treatment.

Digestive Enzyme Levels

Stool analysis can also consider issues beyond the gastrointestinal tract. By measuring digestive enzyme levels in stool, digestion concerns are elucidated. For instance, low levels of pancreatic enzymes could suggest pancreatic insufficiency.

Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)

As mentioned earlier, a negative FOBT result is a good thing. On the other hand, positive FOBT indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which might be related to colorectal cancer, ulcers, or polyps. Further testing (eg. colonoscopy) might be recommended to identify the cause or source of bleeding.

Ova and Parasite (O&P)

The O&P test is handy when gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea are present, and a parasitic infection is suspected. Early detection and treatment of these infections are important to prevent complications and discomfort.

Stool DNA

The laboratory tests the DNA for specific genetic changes or markers associated with colorectal cancer and precancerous polyps. A positive result doesn't necessarily mean cancer is present.

 Your doctor can require further tests or procedures to diagnose these cases.

Medical assessments like this provide rich information about our health and well-being. They should not be delayed or taken lightly.

Granted, stool sample collection is not the most pleasant of experiences, but the return in insights into one’s health is worth all the fuss. In conditions like cancer, for example, early diagnosis is crucial for positive outcomes.

Our stool tells a story. In some cases, it might be a life-saving one.  

BloodWorks Lab, as a premier medical testing facility, encourages everyone to regularly monitor their health. We offer checkup packages tailored to your needs, like the Well-being Package, Senior Citizen’s Package, Diet/Weight Management Package, Pre-employment Package, and Cancer Screening Tests.

We are the first in the country to offer the Anti Acetylcholine Receptor (lgG) Antibody Test and the Anti N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (Anti NMDA Receptor) Antibody Test.  

Book your appointment today.

Our branches are in Alabang, Katipunan, and Cebu.