Stool Tests

The stool test is a straightforward procedure. All that is needed is a small tube and a spatula. Using the spatula, a pea-sized sample is taken from different areas of the stool and applied to a test card or placed into the tube. The laboratory then conducts the stool analysis. In the Hemoccult test, the stool is examined for blood that is often invisible to the naked eye. Everyone over the age of 50 should undergo a Hemoccult test as part of cancer screening. Fresh blood in the stool can indicate various conditions but may also be a sign of hemorrhoids or anal fissures. However, intestinal polyps or Crohn’s disease could also be potential causes of visible blood in the stool. In any case, medical evaluation is necessary. Stool analysis can also be used to test for other factors, such as the state of the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in the immune system. A stool test can also be beneficial in cases of certain skin conditions. More than 90% of people suffering from atopic dermatitis have an imbalanced gut microbiota. Treating the gut often leads to improvement in symptoms and skin condition in most cases.