Stool Examination R/M
Overview
What is Stool Examination R/M?
The stool examination R/M (routine microscopy) helps to diagnose conditions affecting the digestive tract, such as infection from parasites, viruses, or bacteria, poor nutrient absorption, and cancer. The stool is the solid waste product of digestion which may vary in color, texture, amount, and odor depending on your diet and general health.
The test is usually prescribed if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with an intestinal infection, like the presence of blood or mucus in stool, fever, abdominal pain, and frequent diarrhea.
Why is Stool Examination R/M done?
The stool examination R/M is done:
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If you have symptoms suggesting disease of the digestive tract such as prolonged diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and fever
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If there is a suspicion of parasitic infection in the intestine like the amoeba, giardia, etc.
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To check for poor absorption of nutrients by the digestive tract (malabsorption syndromes)
What does Stool Examination R/M Measure?
The stool examination R/M (routine microscopy) is done by taking concentrated sediment of fresh or formalin preserved stool followed by drying the slide to make the specimen dry. It is then fixed with the reagents and stained with different stains. After the staining procedure is completed, the slide is examined under the microscope at different fields to identify protozoan trophozoites and cysts and for confirmation of any other species. Depending upon what species is present, the reporting of the stool slide is made.
Interpreting Stool Examination R/M results
Interpretations
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High levels of fat in the stool may be caused by diseases such as pancreatitis, celiac disease, or other disorders that affect the absorption of fat
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The presence of ova in the stools indicate that there are parasites in the GIT
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White blood cells in the stool may be due to inflammation of the intestines such as ulcerative colitis
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Rotaviruses are a common cause of diarrhea in young children. If diarrhea is present, testing may be done to look for rotaviruses in the stool