Faecesonderzoek

Faecesonderzoek, also known as stool examination or fecal analysis, is a laboratory test performed on a stool sample. This diagnostic procedure is crucial for evaluating the health of the digestive system and detecting various gastrointestinal disorders. The examination can involve macroscopic, microscopic, chemical, and microbiological analyses.

Macroscopic examination assesses the appearance of the stool, including its color, consistency, and presence of visible blood or mucus. The color can provide clues about diet or medical conditions, for example, black stools might indicate bleeding in the upper digestive tract, while pale stools could suggest liver or gallbladder issues.

Microscopic examination involves looking at the stool under a microscope to identify parasites, their eggs, or other microscopic elements such as white blood cells, which can indicate inflammation. Chemical tests can detect the presence of blood (occult blood test), which may not be visible to the naked eye, and assess enzyme levels like elastase, which is important for pancreatic function.

Microbiological analysis focuses on identifying pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may be causing infections in the digestive tract. These tests are vital for diagnosing and treating infectious diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses. Faecesonderzoek is a non-invasive and valuable tool in clinical diagnostics.