HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Stool Analysis
What Affects the Test
Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Taking medicines such as antibiotics, antidiarrheal medicines, barium, bismuth, iron, ascorbic acid, Reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Opens New Window, and magnesium.
- Contaminating a stool sample with urine, blood from a menstrual period or a bleeding Reference hemorrhoid Opens New Window, or chemicals found in toilet paper and paper towels.
- Exposing the stool sample to air or room temperature or failing to send the sample to a laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
