Home›Stool Examination R/M

Content created by

Written by

PGDHHM, BDS

Reviewed by

Dr. Swati Gupta (Anand)

MD Lab Medicine, MBBS

Want to know more?
Read our Editorial Policy

Stool Examination R/M

Also known as Stool Examination Routine, Stool R/E Test

₹119~~₹169~~ 29% Off

You need to provide

Stool

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

18 hours

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Stool Examination R/M

What is Stool Examination R/M?

The Stool Examination R/M test helps detect and identify parasites, their eggs (ova), and cysts in a stool sample. It also checks for the presence of blood, white blood cells (leukocytes), or mucus, which can indicate infections, digestive disorders, and other issues in the digestive tract. This test is useful for diagnosing gut-related problems and monitoring overall digestive health.

The Stool Examination R/M test provides a detailed analysis of a stool sample to help detect various digestive health problems. It examines the physical features of the stool, such as color, consistency, odor, and the presence of mucus or visible blood. The stool sample is studied under a microscope to check for parasites like Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia, along with parasite eggs (ova), cysts, and worms. It also checks for undigested food particles, pus cells, red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (leukocytes). The presence of RBCs may indicate bleeding in the lower gastrointestinal tract. The presence of leukocytes may indicate a bacterial infection or inflammation in the intestines. This test is important for diagnosing digestive tract infections, identifying causes of digestive symptoms, and guiding proper treatment.

Doctors normally advise this test when there are symptoms such as repeated diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool, stomachache, bloating, fever, or weight loss without a known cause. It assists doctors in diagnosing parasitic infection, malabsorption disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. It is usually advised for patients who have severe intestinal or stomach infections that are not treated with antibiotics. It can also be performed in cases that are suspected to be gastrointestinal or colon cancer, particularly when there is stool bleeding or abdominal pain with no apparent cause.

No special preparation is required for this test. Use the sample collection container provided by the laboratory personnel. Ensure that the sample does not get contaminated with urine, water, or other substances. Inform the doctor about all the medications or supplements being taken, as some of them can affect the test results.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Do not self-medicate at home solely based on these test results. Always consult the doctor for a proper understanding of the test results. The insights from the Stool Examination R/M test will help doctors prescribe targeted treatments.

What is Stool Examination R/M used for?

The Stool Examination R/M test is done:

To find the cause of stomach-related symptoms like long-lasting diarrhea, blood in the stool, too much gas, nausea, vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, stomach pain, cramping, or fever.
To detect infections caused by parasites.
To look for bacteria, mucus, pus cells, or undigested food in the stool.
To check for the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) in the stool.
To understand if poor digestion, infections, or inflammation may be causing the symptoms.

What does Stool Examination R/M measure?

The Stool Examination R/M (Routine and Microscopy) test involves a detailed analysis of a stool sample under a microscope. It checks for abnormalities related to the digestive system, allowing doctors to understand the cause of digestive symptoms. This test checks several key features of the stool, such as:

Color, consistency, and presence of mucus or blood: May indicate infections, inflammation, or bleeding in the intestines.
Pus cells or white blood cells (WBCs): May suggest an infection or inflammation in the intestines.
Red blood cells (RBCs): May indicate conditions like ulcers, anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or even more serious issues like colon or stomach cancer.
Ova, cysts, or parasites: May help detect infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica (intestinal amoebiasis), Giardia lamblia (giardiasis), or other worms and parasites.

Interpreting Stool Examination R/M results

Interpretations

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
The presence of ova in the stools indicate that there are parasites in the GIT
White blood cells in the stool may be due to inflammation of the intestines such as ulcerative colitis
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

Frequently Asked Questions about Stool Examination R/M

Q. What is the Stool Examination R/M test?

The Stool Examination R/M test is a microbiology test done to detect parasites, ova (eggs), and cysts in a stool sample. It helps diagnose stomach infections and other gastrointestinal conditions.

Q. Why is the Stool Examination R/M test done?

The Stool Examination R/M test is done to identify the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating, detect infections, monitor gut health, and diagnose conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), etc.

Q. Is fasting required before the Stool Examination R/M test?

No, fasting is not required for this test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Stool Examination R/M test?

No, there is no risk associated with the Stool Examination R/M test. It is a safe, non-invasive procedure. However, ensure proper hygiene during sample collection to avoid contamination and the risk of infection.

Q. Can I give the sample during menstruation?

It is best to avoid collecting a stool sample during your period, as menstrual blood can mix with the stool and affect the test results. However, consult your doctor about the best time to collect the sample or any necessary precautions.

Q. How is the sample collected?

You will be given a clean and sterile container to collect a small amount of stool. The sample is then sent to the laboratory and tested under a microscope.

Q. Is this test safe for children?

Yes, this test is safe and commonly used for children who have diarrhea, stomach pain, or other digestive issues.

Q. What do the abnormal test results mean?

Abnormal results indicate the presence of pathogens or an imbalance in gut flora. This information helps doctors diagnose specific infections, digestive disorders, or other gastrointestinal conditions.

Q. What is the difference between Stool Examination R/M and Stool Culture?

Stool Examination R/M checks the overall health of your digestive system. It looks for parasites, blood, mucus, pus cells, and undigested food under a microscope. It helps detect infections, inflammation, and digestive issues. Stool Culture checks for harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Shigella. It helps find the exact bacteria causing food poisoning or stomach infections.

Q. Can the Stool Examination R/M test be done at home?

Yes, you can take the Stool Examination R/M test from the comfort of your home with Tata 1mg labs.

Q. How does Tata 1mg ensure accurate lab test results?

Tata 1mg ensures accurate lab test results through certified laboratories. Tata 1mg uses advanced technology and adheres to stringent quality control measures. This commitment to high standards guarantees reliable results.

+ more