- Stool test
A stool test is one where fecal matter is collected for analysis to diagnose the presence or absence of a medical condition.
Fecal occult blood test
One of the most common stool tests, the
Fecal occult blood test can be used to diagnose many conditions that cause in bleeding in thegastrointestinal system includingColorectal cancer orStomach cancer . [cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/hw/colorectal_cancer/hw227116.asp|title=Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)]Microbiology tests
Parasitic diseases such as
Ascariasis ,Hookworm ,Strongyloidiasis andWhipworm can be diagnosed by examining stools under a microscope for the presence of worm larvae or eggs. Some bacterial diseases can be detected with a stool culture. Toxins from bacteria such asClostridium difficile ('C. diff.') can also be identified. Viruses such asrotavirus can also be found in stools. [cite web|url=http://www.webmd.com/hw/lab_tests/hw5738.asp|title=Stool culture]Chemical tests
A
fecal pH test may be used determinelactose intolerance or the presence of an infection. [cite web|url=http://www.medicinenet.com/stool_acidity_test/article.htm|title=Stool Acidity Test - MedicineNet.com]Steatorrhea can be diagnosed using aFecal fat test that checks for the malabsorption of fat. [cite web|url=http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003588.htm|title=MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fecal fat]ee also
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Rectal examination References
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