Bacteriological analysis of stool. What is bacteriological examination of stool? Staphylococcus saprophytic and epidermal

Materials to be examined are collected in sterile containers and accompanied by a label with the name of the person being examined and the name of the material. The accompanying document (referral) must indicate which department is sending the material, full name. and the patient’s age, presumed diagnosis, antibacterial therapy, date and hour of sample collection.

The material is delivered in containers, preventing them from tipping over. During transportation, wetting the cotton plugs and freezing the material are not allowed. The material is delivered within 1-2 hours after collection. If it is impossible to deliver within the specified time frame, the biomaterial is stored in the refrigerator (except for blood and material tested for the presence of meningococcus). When increasing the sample delivery time to 48 hours, it is necessary to use transport media.

Sampling techniques must be described by the microbiologist in special instructions. Laboratory staff provide initial training to all personnel on sample collection compliance.

Samples delivered to the laboratory must be placed in a place specially designated for receiving biomaterial. Upon admission, laboratory workers are responsible for monitoring compliance with the correct delivery of samples. Delivery of material to the laboratory by persons being examined is strictly prohibited.

If the conditions are not met, the samples cannot be processed - this is reported to the attending physician, and the tests are repeated.

General requirements for the sampling and transportation procedure:

Knowledge of the optimal timing for taking material for research;

Taking material taking into account the place of maximum localization of the pathogen by releasing it into the environment;

Selection of material for research in the necessary and sufficient volume, ensuring conditions that exclude sample contamination;

If possible, take material before using antibiotics and other chemotherapy drugs or after stopping antibiotics after 2-3 days.

Microbiological blood test

A procedural nurse or laboratory assistant takes blood from a patient in the treatment room or in the ward, depending on the patient’s condition. It is recommended to take blood for culture before starting antibiotic therapy or 12-24 hours after the last administration of the drug to the patient.

Sowing is carried out when the temperature rises. It is recommended to take blood 2-4 times a day, in case of acute sepsis - 2-3 samples from different places within 10 minutes. If the patient has a permanent subclavian catheter or a system in a vein, you can use them to obtain blood only for 3 days, since the catheter becomes contaminated. A small amount of blood is allowed to flow freely into a tube, and then the blood is drawn into a syringe for culture. Blood cultures are performed over an alcohol lamp.

Blood is taken from adults in the amount of 5-20 ml, and from children - 1-15 ml, from a syringe without a needle over an alcohol lamp and injected into vials with a nutrient medium in a blood to medium ratio of 1:10. Vials of blood are delivered to the laboratory immediately.

Microbiological examination of urine

As a rule, morning urine is examined. Before collection, the external genitalia are toileted. When urinating, the first portion of urine is not used. In the second urination, starting from the middle, urine is collected in a sterile container in the amount of 3-10 ml, tightly closed with a sterile stopper. It is advisable to deliver urine samples to the laboratory immediately. If this is not possible, urine can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 hours, but not more than 24 hours (at a temperature of 4 °C) after collection.

Microbiological examination of stool

For infectious diseases (typhoparatyphoid, acute intestinal infections, dysentery) and nosocomial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, material is taken from the first hours and days of the patient’s admission before the start of antibiotic therapy. Samples are taken at least 2 times.

Stool for culture is taken immediately after defecation. Collection is carried out from a vessel, pot, diaper, which are first thoroughly disinfected and washed repeatedly with hot water. From the dishes, feces are taken with a sterile spatula or stick into sterile jars with lids and test tubes. The samples taken include pathological impurities (pus, mucus, flakes). If it is impossible to obtain stool, material is taken directly from the rectum using rectal swabs. The swab is moistened in saline and inserted 8-10 cm, and then placed in sterile tubes. The feces are delivered to the laboratory no later than 1-2 hours after collection. The material can be stored at a temperature of 2-6 °C for 24 hours.

Microbiological examination of cerebrospinal fluid

It is advisable to take cerebrospinal fluid before starting antibiotic therapy - into a sterile tube with a cap in an amount of 1-3 ml. The material is delivered to the laboratory, where immediately, while the cerebrospinal fluid is warm, it is analyzed. If this is not possible, the liquor can be stored at a temperature of 37 °C in a thermostat for 2-3 hours.

During transportation, the liquor is carefully protected from cooling using heating pads and a thermos.

Microbiological examination of pus, biopsy of abscess walls

The maximum quantity of the material to be tested is taken with a sterile syringe and delivered to the laboratory immediately with a closed needle or can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Microbiological examination of sputum

Before coughing, the patient brushes his teeth, rinses his mouth and throat with boiled water. The sputum is collected in a sterile jar or bottle with a lid; if it is poorly separated, it is recommended to prescribe an expectorant the day before, or the patient is allowed to inhale 25 ml of a 3-10% saline solution through a nebulizer.

Sputum can be stored for 2 hours at room temperature and for 24 hours in the refrigerator. When collecting sputum, the patient should not mix mucus and saliva in the mouth. Sputum, consisting of saliva and food particles, is not examined.

Microbiological examination of nasopharyngeal mucus, purulent tonsil discharge, nasal discharge

The material is taken on an empty stomach or no earlier than 2-4 hours after a meal. The root of the tongue is pressed with a spatula. The material is taken with a sterile swab, without touching the tongue, buccal mucosa and teeth.

When examining nasopharyngeal mucus for meningococcus, use a curved sterile cotton swab. It is inserted end up behind the soft palate into the nasopharynx and passed 3 times along the posterior wall. In patients with tonsillitis, if diphtheria is suspected, the material is taken from the tonsils with a dry swab; in the presence of plaque, it should be taken from the border of healthy and affected tissues, lightly pressing on them with a swab. The material on dry swabs is delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours in bags with heating pads.

For whooping cough and parapertussis, nasopharyngeal mucus, nasopharyngeal lavage, and transtracheal aspirates are examined. Fixing the patient's head, insert a tampon into the nostril up to the choanae and leave it there for 15-30 seconds, then remove it and place it in a sterile tube. When collecting material from the mouth, the swab is inserted behind the soft palate, being careful not to touch the tongue and tonsils. Remove mucus from the back wall of the throat, carefully remove the tampon, which is placed in a sterile tube.

Stool analysis for dysbacteriosis- this study allows you to determine the content of bacteria in the intestines. The human intestine contains a huge number of bacteria that are actively involved in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. A stool test for dysbacteriosis is prescribed mostly for children in cases where there are the following intestinal dysfunctions: diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, flatulence, and also after long-term treatment with antibiotics (antibiotics, in addition to fighting infections, also destroy normal intestinal bacteria). There are three groups of intestinal bacteria - “normal” bacteria (bifidobacteria, lactobacilli and Escherichia) they are actively involved in the work of the intestines, opportunistic bacteria (enterococci, staphylococci, clostridia, candida) under certain circumstances can turn into pathogenic bacteria and cause various diseases, and pathogenic bacteria (Shigella, Salmonella) that, when entering the intestines, cause serious infectious intestinal diseases.

Standards for stool analysis for dysbacteriosis

	Children under 1 year	Older children	Adults
Bifidobacteria	10 10 – 10 11	10 9 – 10 10	10 8 – 10 10
Lactobacilli	10 6 – 10 7	10 7 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Escherichia	10 6 – 10 7	10 7 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Bacteroides	10 7 – 10 8	10 7 – 10 8	10 7 – 10 8
Peptostreptococcus	10 3 – 10 5	10 5 – 10 6	10 5 – 10 6
Enterococci	10 5 – 10 7	10 5 – 10 8	10 5 – 10 8
Saprophytic staphylococci	≤10 4	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic staphylococci	-	-	-
Clostridia	≤10 3	≤10 5	≤10 5
Candida	≤10 3	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic enterobacteria	-	-	-

Bifidobacteria

Norm of bifidobacteria

About 95% of all bacteria in the intestines are bifidobacteria. Bifidobacteria are involved in the production of vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, K. They help absorb vitamin D, fight “bad” bacteria with the help of special substances they produce, and also participate in strengthening the immune system.

Reasons for the decrease in the number of bifidobacteria

• Enzymatic diseases (celiac disease, lactase deficiency)
• Immune diseases (immune deficiencies, allergies)
• Change of climate zones
• Stress

Lactobacilli

Norm of lactobacilli

Lactobacilli occupy about 4-6% of the total mass of intestinal bacteria. Lactobacilli are no less useful than bifidobacteria. Their role in the body is as follows: maintaining the pH level in the intestines, producing a large number of substances (lactic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, lactocidin, acidophilus) that are actively used to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, and also produce lactase.

Reasons for reducing the number of lactobacilli

• Drug treatment (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as analgin, aspirin, laxatives)
• Poor nutrition (excess fat or protein or carbohydrates, fasting, poor diet, artificial feeding)
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases (chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, gastric or duodenal ulcers)
• Stress

Escherichia(E. coli typical)

Escherichia norm

Escherichia appears in the human body from birth and is present throughout life. They perform the following role in the body: they participate in the formation of B vitamins and vitamin K, participate in the processing of sugars, produce antibiotic-like substances (colicins) that fight pathogenic organisms, and strengthen the immune system.

Reasons for the decrease in the number of Escherichia

• Helminthiasis
• Treatment with antibiotics
• Poor nutrition (excess fat or protein or carbohydrates, fasting, poor diet, artificial feeding)
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)

Bacteroides

Norm of bacteroids in feces

Bacteroides are involved in digestion, namely in the processing of fats in the body. In children under 6 months of age, they are not detected in stool tests; they can be detected starting at the age of 8-9 months.

Reasons for increasing the content of bacteroids

• Fat diet (eating a lot of fat)

Reasons for the decrease in bacteroid content

• Treatment with antibiotics
• Intestinal infections (dysentery, salmonellosis, viral infections)

Peptostreptococcus

Normal amount in feces

Normally, peptostreptococci live in the large intestine; when their number increases and enters any other area of ​​our body, they cause inflammatory diseases. Participate in the processing of carbohydrates and milk proteins. They produce hydrogen, which turns into hydrogen peroxide in the intestines and helps control the pH in the intestines.

Reasons for the increase in the content of peptostreptococci

• Eating a lot of carbohydrates
• Intestinal infections
• Chronic gastrointestinal diseases

Enterococci

Norm of enterococci

Enterococci are involved in the processing of carbohydrates, in the production of vitamins, and also play a role in creating local immunity (in the intestines). The number of enterococci should not exceed the number of E. coli; if their number increases, they can cause a number of diseases.

Reasons for the increase in the content of enterococci

• Decreased immunity, immune diseases
• Food allergies

• Helminthiasis
• Treatment with antibiotics (in case of resistance of enterococci to the antibiotic used)

• Poor nutrition
• Reducing the amount of Escherichia coli (Escherichia)

Staphylococcus ( saprophytic staphylococci and pathogenic staphylococci )

Norm of saprophytic staphylococci

Norm of pathogenic staphylococci

Staphylococci are divided into pathogenic and non-pathogenic. Pathogenic ones include: golden, hemolytic and plasmacoagulating, golden is the most dangerous. Non-pathogenic staphylococci include non-hemolytic and epidermal.

Staphylococcus does not belong to the normal intestinal microflora; it enters the body from the external environment along with food. Staphylococcus aureus, entering the gastrointestinal tract, usually causes toxic infections.

The human intestine is inhabited by ~3 kg of bacteria. They represent the microflora necessary for normal digestion, but in the event of various malfunctions, the number of some microorganisms can noticeably decrease - dysbacteriosis will occur - an imbalance of bacteria.

Although doctors do not classify it as an independent disease, this does not reduce the harm. If intestinal dysbiosis is suspected, special stool tests are prescribed to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Microorganisms living in the gastrointestinal tract are of paramount importance for human life. They synthesize vitamins, break down food and protect against attacks by pathogenic strains.

In other words, humans and bacteria are in symbiosis. But if the composition of the microflora is disturbed, flatulence, diarrhea, nausea may occur, not to mention the consequences of insufficient supply of nutritional compounds to the tissues.

The purpose of stool analysis is to determine the qualitative and quantitative composition of bacteria in the intestines.

For this purpose, 3 methods are usually used in medicine:

1. Coprogram.
2. Bacteriological analysis.
3. Biochemical analysis.

Coprogram

A coprogram is prescribed when a person complains of chronic or acute stool disorder, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or sudden weight loss for no apparent reason.

Doctors also resort to such research when treating diseases not related to the gastrointestinal tract. This is especially true when treating pathologies in different parts of the body with antibiotics (throat, joints, etc.).

A coprogram is a primary examination, which is only an auxiliary method and gives a physical characteristic of the intestinal contents.

The analysis is carried out in 2 stages:

2. Microscopic:

• cells and tissue fragments;
• digested food (fiber, fat, salts, starch, etc.).

If the coprogram shows deviations from the norm, the doctor has a reason to conduct a more thorough analysis. In the laboratory, stool is cultured on a nutrient medium.

After 4-5 days, the bacteria will multiply, allowing their colonies to be examined under a microscope. After this, the specialist makes a conclusion about the number of microbes in 1 g of feces (CFU/g).

Based on the data obtained, the doctor makes a diagnosis. Test results for adults and children often differ, so the patient’s age must be taken into account.

But waiting 5 days for colonies to grow is not always permissible, because during this time a person’s condition can deteriorate significantly.

Biochemical analysis of stool

Biochemical analysis of stool for dysbacteriosis gives results on the day the samples are submitted. The essence of such research is to identify compounds present in the intestines.

Particular attention is paid to the spectrum of fatty acids, because they are synthesized by bacteria in the process of life. Biochemical analysis is also called rapid diagnostics.

The method is very informative and simple; it not only demonstrates the imbalance of microflora, but also establishes the section of the intestine in which the malfunction occurred.

Doctors much more often prefer this study due to its significant advantages:

• Speed. Results will be available in 1-2 hours.
• Sensitivity. The method very accurately determines the concentration of compounds.
• Undemanding to the freshness of samples. Even yesterday's poop will do.

The reliability of the research results directly depends on proper preparation. The fact is that many food products contain substances that will give a positive reaction.

First of all, it's meat. It is in it that hemoglobin is present.

Secondly, it's iron. All red products contain this element. It is worth refraining from eating such foods for 3 days before the test, so that the laboratory does not accidentally get a false positive result.

Restrictions also apply to raw vegetables and fruits: during the preparation period you need to eat only thermally processed plant products.

In addition, the patient must stop taking medications that directly affect the intestinal microflora:

• antibiotics;
• probiotics;
• laxatives (official and popular);
• rectal suppositories.

Adults prepare for a stool test for dysbiosis on their own. Examination of the contents of a child's intestines is no different, but parents will have to monitor the child's compliance with all recommendations.

How to properly take a stool test for dysbacteriosis?

Diet and medication withdrawal are the primary conditions for the reliability of the analysis results. In addition, the patient will need to collect stool in accordance with the rules.

Handing over feces - 6 rules:

1. Before the control bowel movement, wash the perineum (the possibility of getting old samples is eliminated).
2. The use of any auxiliary means to speed up the process of defecation (enema, laxative) is prohibited.
3. Prepare a special container with a tight lid in advance (must be purchased at a pharmacy).
4. Do not allow liquid to get into the stool (urine, water, etc.).
5. Take 3 stool fragments (1 teaspoon each from different areas).
6. If blood or mucus is present, such samples must be taken.

Gut bacteria are primarily anaerobic. 1 hour after defecation, they will still maintain their population in their natural form, but gradually the microorganisms will begin to die.

In order to correctly test stool for dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to deliver excrement samples to the laboratory at least within 2 hours after bowel movement.

Urgency is not so important for biochemical research, which studies not bacterial colonies, but the result of their vital activity - fatty acids. These compounds almost do not disintegrate spontaneously, and therefore remain unchanged for quite a long time.

Doctors even allow you to freeze stool and bring it in the next day. In the case of newborn children, this option is sometimes the most preferable for parents.

The intestines are home to 100 trillion bacteria, which is 10 times the number of all cells in the body. If there are no microbes at all, then the person will simply die.

On the other hand, a shift in balance in any direction leads to diseases. The interpretation of stool analysis for dysbiosis is to determine the number and types of microbes.

Table of interpretation of results and norms of analysis

	Children under 1 year	Older children	Adults
Bifidobacteria	10 10 – 10 11	10 9 – 10 10	10 8 – 10 10
Lactobacilli	10 6 – 10 7	10 7 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Escherichia	10 6 – 10 7	10 7 – 10 8	10 6 – 10 8
Bacteroides	10 7 – 10 8	10 7 – 10 8	10 7 – 10 8
Peptostreptococcus	10 3 – 10 5	10 5 – 10 6	10 5 – 10 6
Enterococci	10 5 – 10 7	10 5 – 10 8	10 5 – 10 8
Saprophytic staphylococci	≤10 4	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic staphylococci	-	-	-
Clostridia	≤10 3	≤10 5	≤10 5
Candida	≤10 3	≤10 4	≤10 4
Pathogenic enterobacteria	-	-	-

Detailed transcript:

1. Bifidobacteria:

• 95% of all bacteria living in the intestines;
• synthesize vitamins K and B;
• promote the absorption of vitamin D and calcium;
• strengthen the immune system.

2. Lactobacilli:

• maintain acidity;
• synthesize lactase and protective substances.

3. Escherichia:

• synthesize vitamins K and B;
• promote the absorption of sugars;
• produce colicins, proteins that kill microbes.

4. Bacteroides:

• break down fats;
• perform a protective function.

5. Streptococci:

• break down carbohydrates;
• perform a protective function;
• present in small quantities and not always.

6. Enterococci:

• break down carbohydrates.

7. Peptococci:

• participate in the synthesis of fatty acids;
• perform a protective function;
• are not always present.

8. Staphylococci:

• live in the large intestine;
• participate in nitrate metabolism;
• There are many pathogenic strains.

9. Clostridia:

• live in the large intestine;
• synthesize acids and alcohols;
• break down proteins.

10. Fungal:

• maintain an acidic environment;
• opportunistic.

A change in the number of certain microorganisms is possible when pathogenic strains enter the intestines.

This usually occurs due to poor personal hygiene (dirty hands, unwashed fruits and vegetables). Treatment with antibiotics is the second common cause of dysbiosis.

To normalize the situation in the gastrointestinal tract, doctors additionally prescribe probiotics - special dietary supplements.

In addition, dysbiosis often indicates an immune failure. Leukocytes control the population of microbes, the number of which increases significantly when natural defenses decrease. And often it is not beneficial bacteria that multiply, but pathogenic ones.

Stool analysis in children

The results of stool analysis for dysbiosis in children are somewhat different than in adults. This is due, first of all, to the gradual colonization of the intestines by microorganisms.

After birth, the child feeds on mother's milk, which promotes the development of normal microflora. But in hospitals, infection with Staphylococcus aureus often occurs.

And if the mother does not have antibodies to this microorganism, then the baby will develop dysbacteriosis.

In addition, some beneficial strains appear only within 1 year, such as bacteroides. Sometimes fungi of the genus Candida develop excessively in the child’s intestines, which provoke the corresponding disease - candidiasis.

The most common cause of dysbiosis in children is an early transition to artificial feeding. After all, the baby needs mother's milk in the first year of life.

Conclusion

A stool test for dysbacteriosis is prescribed for any digestive disorders. In addition, doctors monitor the state of the patient’s microflora during antibiotic therapy.

Timely identification of dysbiosis and clarification of the nature of the disorder will make it possible to take the right steps and reduce the likelihood of complications.

One of the methods for studying the state of human health is bacteriological studies of human waste products, including feces. This type of analysis is usually included in both general preventive examinations and complex, highly specialized diagnostic measures. The collected material, processed in a special way, makes it possible to determine some important indicators of human health, for example, the presence of intestinal dysbiosis or intestinal infections, as well as to monitor the quality of the treatment provided. This analysis can be prescribed to patients of any age.

Why is intestinal microflora needed?

It is well known that the human intestine contains a large number of different microorganisms, a total of more than 500 species. Most of the microflora “live” in the large intestine, a smaller amount – in the small intestine and appendix.

Although, at first glance, it may seem that their functional significance for humans is not particularly important, but in fact, the work of these bacteria is directly reflected in the health of their carrier.

In the intestinal cavity, bacteria attach to the villi of the epithelium. One of their functions is the production of a special mucous biofilm, which is responsible for maintaining the population of beneficial microorganisms and protects them from external influences.

During their life, bacteria actively multiply, participating in the processes of digestion of food and absorption of nutrients by the human body.

If foreign microorganisms enter, the “strangers” are destroyed, displaced, or their adaptation occurs, and they also begin to participate in the general activity of intestinal bacteria.

In addition to those described above, microorganisms in the intestine perform other functions - they break down and digest food, protect the epithelial inner layer of the intestine, participate in metabolic processes, synthesize some vitamins and amino acids, form reactions of the immune system, and protect against various pathogenic organisms.

At the same time, part of the microbiota of the intestine itself is opportunistic, such as E. coli. In normal quantities, it is indispensable in the digestive process.

Any changes in the quantitative or qualitative ratio of microflora in the intestine leads to a deterioration in human health.

Bacterial composition of intestinal microflora

For convenience, doctors classify all microorganisms that inhabit the intestinal cavity according to whether they can pose any danger to their carrier under certain conditions.

Thus, we distinguish:

• healthy bacteria that function in the intestines and do not cause harm to the carrier: lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, Escherichia;
• opportunistic microorganisms that can provoke the development of certain pathological processes under certain conditions: clostridia, staphylococci, candida, enterococci;
• pathogenic, which are causative agents of dangerous diseases: salmonella, shigella.

What is it prescribed for?

Analysis of stool for intestinal infections and dysbacteriosis allows us to identify all types of microorganisms, including pathogenic ones. The essence of the examination is to inoculate the excretions of the human body on nutrient media, as a result of which all the bacteria present in the stool begin to multiply intensively and become easy to detect. Often, a test, also called stool culture, is prescribed for children.

Indications and contraindications for stool culture

Stool examination is prescribed in certain cases when the doctor needs specific information about the patient’s health status. Indications for prescribing bacteriological examination of stool are:

• the need to prescribe antibiotics;
• preparation for conceiving a child;
• presence of digestive problems: heartburn, nausea and heaviness in the stomach:
• stomach ache;
• increased gas formation;
• completed course of antibiotic treatment;
• manifestations of allergic reactions;
• frequent infectious diseases, suspicion of helminths;
• diagnosed cancer;
• immunodeficiency.

As for possible contraindications, this procedure has none - bacteriological examination of stool can be carried out at any age and in any condition of the patient.

Requirements for collecting material for analysis

Carrying out a bacteriological analysis of stool requires certain preparatory measures from the patient. Feces are a waste product of the human body, which reflects the way it feeds.

Therefore, in order to ensure the most objective diagnosis, doctors recommend, first of all, to consult with your doctor and, approximately 5-7 days before sampling stool for pathogenic intestinal flora, stop taking antibiotics, anti-diarrhea drugs, anthelmintics, laxatives , enzyme-containing and iron-containing drugs. It is not recommended to do cleansing or therapeutic enemas 3-4 days in advance. The doctor who will conduct the test should be warned about all medications taken shortly before the test. If the subject has visited other countries in the last six months before the analysis, the doctor should also be informed about this.

As part of the patient's preparation, 2-3 days before the scheduled date of the test, you should follow a diet that excludes foods that increase gas formation or color the stool. Prohibited:

• legumes;
• raw vegetables and fruits;
• and confectionery baked goods;
• and dairy products;
• red fish.

When preparing a diet during this period, it should be remembered that eating meat can also affect the results of the analysis. It is not allowed to take stool for analysis that was obtained using laxatives or an enema. All these recommendations are relevant for planned collection of material.

How does the patient collect material for analysis?

There are several ways to collect stool for examination. In the first case, the patient collects biological material for study independently, after a voluntary defecation process. In this case, there are some requirements for the fence technique.

It is necessary to ensure in advance that you have a special sterile container for collected feces - you can purchase a container with a tight-fitting lid and a spatula at any pharmacy.

It is very important that the stool sent for analysis does not contain foreign impurities - urine, menstrual fluid, cleaning products from the toilet bowl. Women are advised to collect material after the end of menstruation.

If there is pus or mucus in the stool, it must be collected. Blood spots or clots should not be collected for analysis. Before collection, you must empty your bladder.

For analysis, a mass of approximately 2-3 teaspoons is sufficient, and it is necessary to select material from different parts of the mass - from the inside, from the sides, from above.

Having collected the material for research in a container, it must be tightly closed with a lid. On the container you should indicate your last name and initials, date of birth. Within no more than an hour and a half, the container with the contents must be delivered to the laboratory. Most often, special storage conditions cannot preserve the microflora of feces as much as possible, since most of the bacteria that enter it die from contact with oxygen. Five hours after collection, the material is no longer valuable for research.

Taking stool for analysis in a laboratory or hospital

In some cases, material for research is collected by a medical professional, regardless of the patient’s natural bowel movement. Tampons or special loops can be used for this. This stool sampling algorithm is also suitable for small children.

The technique for collecting stool looks like this: the examinee lies down on the couch, in the “sideways” position, bending his knees and pulling his hips towards his stomach. He needs to spread his buttocks with his palms. A loop or tampon is inserted into the anus to a depth of up to 10 centimeters, which gently removes the intestinal contents from the wall of the rectum.

The collected material is placed in a sterile tube, container or container with a preservative. Without a preservative, the material must be processed no later than 2 hours after its removal.

How further processing of feces occurs

After the material for analysis is received, it is sent to the laboratory in a sterile container.

As soon as possible from the moment of collecting stool, it is inoculated on a solid colored medium - Levin's medium or Bacto-agar F, as well as on accumulation medium (Kaufman, Muller). The crops made are sent to a thermostat for a day, where they are kept at a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. If the feces were collected on a swab, it is applied to a cup with a solid colored medium and dispersed with a spatula. Within a day, the material is ready for examination.

Technique for bacteriological and scatological examination of stool

Clinical analysis of feces includes their initial examination. At the same time, the doctor studies its structure, color, consistency, and smell. Normally, feces should not contain pieces of undigested food, mucus, pus, be discolored or, conversely, too dark.

Biochemical analysis involves carrying out some chemical reactions, for example, reactions to the presence of bilirubin, occult blood, iodophilic flora. All these elements should normally show a negative reaction result.

Reactions to ammonia and stercobilin should be positive. Using a litmus test, the physician determines the level of acid-base state of the stool. In addition, the material is examined under a microscope. This method of studying feces allows us to identify the presence of pathological elements in excrement. Fecal microscopy makes it possible to assess the quality of food digestion and diagnose cystic fibrosis, dysbacterial and enzyme disorders.

Bacteriological examination of stool is an analysis through which it is possible to identify the presence of a number of pathologies in a patient, including dysbacteriosis. In its normal state, the intestinal microflora is a balanced symbiosis of various types of microorganisms that are responsible for the functioning of the immune system, for the process of food processing, for maintaining a normal level of acidity and the body’s protective resources. The danger of dysbacteriosis is that it destroys the intestinal microflora, as a result of which a person can even develop diseases such as dysentery or staphylococcal infection.

In addition to dysbacteriosis, this type of diagnosis shows the physician the nuances of the digestive process of the subject, the condition of his intestines and stomach. Stool analysis makes it possible to determine the presence of bleeding in the digestive organs.