Stool Sediment Microscopy
Stool sediment microscopy is an important laboratory method aimed at analyzing the insoluble components of feces. It helps detect digestive disorders, inflammation, and infections. The microscopic sediment may contain the following elements:
- Muscle fibers:
• Digested — considered normal.
• Undigested — indicate insufficient activity of gastric juice and pancreatic enzymes (creatorrhea).
- Connective tissue fibers:
Normally absent. Their presence suggests severe protein digestion disorders, often seen in achylia (lack of hydrochloric acid and gastric enzymes).
- Neutral fat:
Presence indicates steatorrhea — fat malabsorption, found in pancreatic or small intestine diseases.
- Fatty acids and soaps:
Excessive amounts indicate impaired enzymatic fat digestion.
- Starch:
• Intracellular — indicates rapid food transit through the intestines.
• Extracellular — indicates amylase deficiency. This condition is called amylorrhea.
- Iodophilic flora:
Bacteria that stain with iodine; abundant presence suggests dysbiosis.
- Crystals:
• Triple phosphates, oxalates — may be seen in metabolic disorders or inflammation.
- Mucus:
Small amounts are normal. Excessive mucus may indicate inflammation or intestinal irritation.
- Leukocytes:
Indicate inflammation in the intestines, such as with colitis or enterocolitis.
- Red blood cells (erythrocytes):
Their presence may suggest ulcers or tumors in the intestines.
- Parasites and their eggs:
May be detected in cases of helminthic invasions (e.g., roundworms, pinworms, giardia, etc.).
Stool sediment microscopy allows for comprehensive evaluation of the digestive system, helping to detect inflammation, maldigestion, malabsorption, infections, and parasitic diseases.