Medical Questions » Pathology Questions » Question No. 786
| Question: | What can doctors find out about you with a test on your faeces? |
| Answer: | Because faeces have passed through much of the body, an analysis of their composition can be an indication of abnormalities and disorders existing in the body.
A faeces sample is collected by using a disposable plastic spoon to place a small amount of faeces into a sterile plastic container.
One of the most common reasons for testing the faeces is the suspected presence of parasites or worms in the intestines. In such a case, the eggs, body parts or entire bodies can often be seen quite easily in the faeces using a microscope.
The colour of the faeces can indicate something abnormal. Black or red faeces may indicate bleeding in the stomach or intestines, while tan or white faeces may be a sign of liver or gall bladder problems.
Even if nothing abnormal can be seen in the faeces, chemical tests may show that blood is in fact present.
An analysis of the fat and salt content of the faeces tells if food is being properly digested and absorbed, or if thete is some digestive disorder present.
A culture test performed on the faeces may be carried out to determine a possible infectious cause of diatrhoea.
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