What can be found through routine examination?

Stool routine is a basic clinical test item. By analyzing the physical properties, chemical components and microbial composition of stool, it can assist in the diagnosis of digestive system diseases, infectious diseases and even some systemic diseases. Its main inspection contents includeAppearance characteristics (color, shape), occult blood test, cell components (red blood cells, white blood cells), parasite and egg detection under the microscopeetc., and has important screening value for intestinal inflammation, bleeding, infection and abnormal absorption function. Secondary testing items may include pH, fat globules, etc., which are suitable for differential diagnosis of specific diseases.

Paragraph 1: Analysis of core testing items

The most core detection goal of routine isGastrointestinal bleeding and infectious lesions. The occult blood test can detect trace amounts of bleeding that are invisible to the naked eye, suggesting ulcers, polyps, or tumors; a large number of red blood cells found under a microscope may indicate lower gastrointestinal bleeding, while leukocytosis is common in bacterial enteritis. Parasite examination can diagnose intestinal parasite infections such as roundworms and hookworms, which is especially important for children and people in epidemic areas. According to statistics, the detection rate of intestinal parasitic infections with routine stool can reach 60%-80% (data source: "Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics").

Paragraph 2: Extended Diagnostic Value

In addition to basic items, routines can also reflectDigestion and absorption function. A large number of fat globules can be seen in the stool of patients with steatorrhea, indicating pancreatic insufficiency or celiac disease; jam-like stool may indicate amoebic dysentery, and clay-colored stool is related to biliary obstruction. Professor Qian Jiaming, director of the Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, pointed out: "Food routine combined with clinical manifestations can make a preliminary judgment on the cause of more than 50% of diarrhea cases." Some laboratories also carry out rotavirus antigen testing, which is particularly important for the rapid diagnosis of autumn diarrhea in infants and young children.

Paragraph 3: Description of inspection limitations

It should be noted that there are certainFalse negative possible. Parasite discharge is cyclical, and a single examination may miss the diagnosis; the occult blood test is interfered by factors such as vitamin C intake. The laboratory department of a tertiary hospital usually recommends sending the test for 3 consecutive days to increase the detection rate. For patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease, new fecal marker tests such as calprotectin need to be combined (products such as Quantum Blue® rapid tester from Bühlmann Company of Germany).

Paragraph 4: Clinical application scenarios

This check is particularly useful forThree types of people: People with long-term diarrhea/constipation, patients with unexplained anemia and subjects for digestive tract tumor screening. The guidelines of the Gastroenterology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association recommend that people over 40 years old should have regular stool + occult blood examinations as annual physical examination items. Currently, commonly used detection systems in China include Mindray Medical’s BC-5390 stool analyzer, Aiwei Technology’s AVE-764 series, etc., all of which can achieve automated detection.

Summary paragraph: Examine meaning and extended value

As a non-invasive and economical primary screening method, stool routine can effectively detect hidden dangers in the digestive tract. However, it must be made clear that itsIt cannot replace imaging examinations such as colonoscopy, positive results require further confirmation. Modern laboratory medicine has developed new technologies such as stool DNA testing (such as Exact Sciences' Cologuard®), but they complement rather than replace stool routine. Proper use of this examination in daily physical examinations can significantly improve the early diagnosis rate of intestinal diseases.

Data reference:

Expert opinion quotes:
Professor Qian Jiaming (Director of the Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital)'s discussion on the value of routine diagnosis of stool comes from the 2018 interview column of "Chinese Journal of Digestion".