The importance of stool tests in diagnosis and follow-up of gastrointestinal disorders in children.

Stool is not just a simple waste material. Some stool tests can be easily used in primary care in the differential diagnosis of disorders such as gastrointestinal infections, malabsorption syndromes, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Stool tests can prevent unnecessary laboratory investigations. Stool analyses include microscopic examination, chemical, immunologic, and microbiologic tests. Stool samples can be examined for leukocytes, occult blood, fat, sugars (reducing substances), pH, pancreatic enzymes, alpha-1 antitrypsin, calprotectin, and infectious causes (bacteria, viruses, and parasites). Stool should also be macroscopically checked in terms of color, consistency, quantity, shape, odor, and mucus.