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Stool Analysis - What To Think About
About this test
- Stool may be checked for hidden (occult) blood. For more information, see the topic 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 topic 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 topic 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 topic 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 topic Sweat Test.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: October 13, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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