Question 1

what does a standard stool sample test for?

Accepted Answer

Tests: What do you mean by 'standard test'? There are many things that can be tested for.
Iff however you mean 'stool cards' they are typically looking for hidden (also known as occult) blood.
Please follow the directions carefully to obtain the most accurate result.

Question 2

i did one fit stool test back in march, it was negative. i have read you should do more then one test. should you do two tests same day with same or different sample or wait a day or two to do the second test?

Accepted Answer

: A single negative FIT a year is generally adequate. If you plan to repeat the test you should do on stool from different days.
For info: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests/FIT

Question 3

what is tested when you are asked to give a stool sample? is there something that alerts them to any types of cancer in the test?

Accepted Answer

See below: If the stool sample is to check for blood, then that is all that is tested for. Presence of blood, even microscopic, can be a suggestion for possible cancer. It can also be due to hemorrhoids, anal fissures, constipation, or intestinal infections. If colon cancer, the type/stage cannot be determined from the stool sample. That is why a colonoscopy is then done if the stool sample is + for blood.

Question 4

i had an annual rectal test with my physical that tested neg and also sent in stool sample which was neg. what about cologuard? colonscopy for 2017.

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy is best: Of the screening tests you have listed, colonoscopy is the only one that can also prevent colon cancer (by removal of precancerous lesions). If you have had one before and your next one is due in 2017, you do not need any further testing until then. This should hold true especially with what sounds like you had a negative fecal immunochemical test (FIT). Hope this helps!

Question 5

what do doctors test for in a stool sample?

Accepted Answer

Infection, blood: Usually for infection or microscopic blood.  Sometimes checked for h pylori bacteria detection and malabsorption.

Question 6

the hospital has requested a stool sample to test for calprotectin. should i be concerned ?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You're being worked up for inflammatory bowel disease. Your physician will explain on the next visit.

Question 7

can stool sample for dna test be kept in the refrigerator without any stabilizer solution? and how long?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It can be kept refrigerated for 3-4 days, or longer. It would be prudent to check with the laboratory that will be doing the testing if any preservative is needed.
Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

Question 8

is there a max time limit for how soon you have to return a frozen stool sample to lab for fresh stool test?

Accepted Answer

Interesting question: ... And not one that's known to most physicians, i imagine.  If no one else is able to chime in, i'd recommend calling the lab you're supposed to submit it to - they should be able to tell you when need to turn it in by.

Question 9

when doing a three-day stool test for parasites, can i send it a day after the last sample?

Accepted Answer

Yes: That's okay

Question 10

does it really matter if i took a stool sample from the toilet water for the hemoccult test? son has autism and refuses to have anything to catch it.

Accepted Answer

It would be better: to get it directly, especially if there is a trace of blood from skin or urine that's in the water. Did you try putting foil or plastic wrap between the seat and the rest of the toilet? Another way to do it is to take some of the stool from the toilet tissue you wipe him with (if you are wiping him).

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

What does a standard stool sample test for

A member asked:

What does a standard stool sample test for?

A member asked:

I did one fit stool test back in march, it was negative. i have read you should do more then one test. should you do two tests same day with same or different sample or wait a day or two to do the second test?

A member asked:

What is tested when you are asked to give a stool sample? is there something that alerts them to any types of cancer in the test?

A member asked:

I had an annual rectal test with my physical that tested neg and also sent in stool sample which was neg. what about cologuard? colonscopy for 2017.

A member asked:

What do doctors test for in a stool sample?

A member asked:

The hospital has requested a stool sample to test for calprotectin. should i be concerned ?

A member asked:

Can stool sample for dna test be kept in the refrigerator without any stabilizer solution? and how long?

A member asked:

Is there a max time limit for how soon you have to return a frozen stool sample to lab for fresh stool test?

A member asked:

When doing a three-day stool test for parasites, can i send it a day after the last sample?

A member asked:

Does it really matter if i took a stool sample from the toilet water for the hemoccult test? son has autism and refuses to have anything to catch it.

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?