General Stool Analysis
General stool analysis (coprogram) is a laboratory test aimed at evaluating the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of fecal matter. The coprogram helps identify digestive disorders, inflammatory processes, infectious and parasitic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
What the coprogram assesses
The coprogram includes an examination of the following parameters:
- Physical properties: color, consistency, shape, odor, presence of mucus, foam, blood, undigested food particles.
- Chemical properties: pH level, occult blood (Gregersen reaction), bilirubin, stercobilin, presence of fatty acids, soaps, and neutral fats.
- Microscopy: detection of muscle fibers, plant fiber, starch, iodophilic flora, helminth eggs, protozoa, leukocytes, and erythrocytes.
Indications for the test
- Abdominal pain, bloating, abnormal stool (constipation, diarrhea).
- Suspected inflammatory, infectious, or parasitic diseases of the GI tract.
- Evaluation of pancreatic, liver, stomach, and intestinal function.
- Diagnosis of maldigestion and malabsorption disorders.
- Routine check-up for chronic digestive diseases.
- Monitoring treatment effectiveness.
Preparation for the analysis
- 2–3 days before the test, avoid taking laxatives, iron and bismuth preparations, suppositories, or enemas.
- Avoid foods that can alter stool color (beets, tomatoes, blueberries, etc.).
- Collect the sample in a clean, dry container, avoiding contamination with urine or water.
- Only 5–10 g of the sample is needed, which should be delivered to the lab within 2–3 hours.
What abnormalities may indicate
- Fat, starch, muscle fibers in stool: digestive disorders, enzyme deficiency.
- Mucus, leukocytes: inflammation of the intestinal mucosa (colitis, enteritis).
- Occult blood: ulcers, tumors, hemorrhoids, anal fissures.
- Helminth eggs and protozoa: parasitic infections, giardiasis, etc.
Importance of the coprogram
The coprogram is an important diagnostic method that allows for the early detection of gastrointestinal pathologies. It is an accessible and informative test widely used in gastroenterology, pediatrics, general medicine, and infectious disease diagnostics.
Timely stool testing not only aids in diagnosis but also helps monitor therapy effectiveness, select individualized treatment, and follow preventive measures.