Complete Stool Analysis
Complete stool analysis (coprogram) is a laboratory investigation aimed at assessing the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of fecal matter. The coprogram helps detect digestive disorders, inflammatory processes, infections, and parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
What the coprogram evaluates
The following parameters are examined in a coprogram:
- Physical properties: color, consistency, shape, odor, presence of mucus, foam, blood, undigested food particles.
- Chemical properties: pH, occult blood (Gregersen’s test), bilirubin, stercobilin, presence of fatty acids, soaps, and neutral fat.
- Microscopy: detection of muscle fibers, plant fibers, starch, iodophilic flora, helminth eggs, protozoa, leukocytes, and erythrocytes.
Indications for ordering
- Abdominal pain, bloating, stool irregularities (constipation, diarrhea).
- Suspected inflammatory, infectious, or parasitic gastrointestinal diseases.
- Assessment of pancreatic, liver, stomach, and intestinal function.
- Diagnosis of digestive and absorption disorders.
- Routine checkup for chronic digestive diseases.
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Preparation for the test
- Avoid laxatives, iron and bismuth medications, suppositories, and enemas 2-3 days before sampling.
- Avoid foods that discolor stool (beetroot, tomatoes, blueberries, etc.).
- Collect stool in a clean, dry container avoiding urine or water contamination.
- 5–10 grams of material is sufficient, which should be delivered to the laboratory within 2–3 hours.
What abnormalities may indicate
- Fat, starch, muscle fibers in stool: digestive disorders, enzyme deficiency.
- Mucus, leukocytes: intestinal mucosa inflammation (colitis, enteritis).
- Occult blood: ulcers, tumors, hemorrhoids, anal fissures.
- Helminth eggs and protozoa: parasitic infestations, giardiasis, etc.
Significance of the coprogram
The coprogram is an important diagnostic tool for early detection of gastrointestinal pathologies. It is accessible and informative, commonly used in gastroenterology, pediatrics, therapy, and infectious diseases.
Timely stool analysis helps not only diagnose diseases but also monitor therapy effectiveness, tailor individual treatment, and implement preventive measures.