| |
| Stool testing is done to identify bacteria or viruses that might be causing problems in a patient. A stool culture is collected and placed under conditions that promote the growth of bacteria. The type of infection is identified from a chemical analysis of the growth on the stool sample. |
| |
| Typical costs: |
- Over-the-counter kits are available for home stool testing. The kits, available in most pharmacies, cost about $5 -$35. The Colon Health Check Test is $35 and takes about five minutes to complete. The test screens for early signs of colon cancer and checks for blood in the stool. The EZ Detect Stool Blood Test costs $6 -$10 at various retail outlets. It checks the stool sample for blood which can be an indicator of bleeding ulcers, hemorrhoids, polyps, colitis or cancer.
- Professional labs offer stool culture testing services for about $40 -$100. First Choice Labs USA provides stool testing services from $45 -$95, depending on the extent of the testing. MyMedLab charges $33 -$41 for a basic stool culture and $52 -$63 for the more extensive testing for parasites in stool.
What should be included: |
- A home stool testing kit typically includes collection cloths, a package for testing the sample and instructions. Some kits also include a card to record the results and send to a personal physician.
- Some home testing kits contain a collection jar that is sent to a lab for testing.
- When working directly with a lab, expect to be given a sterile container for collection of the sample. The sample needs to be immediately sent to the lab or refrigerated. Typically, the lab will allow two to three days for bacteria to grow on the sample before testing it. The bacteria will then be examined and identified under a microscope. Stool samples are also frequently tested for parasites or eggs. WebMD explains in detail the procedure for a stool culture.
Discounts: |
- A stool test might be covered by a medical insurance provider. Contact the insurance provider for specific coverage details.
- Medicare covers colorectal screening tests for individuals older than 50. The Department of Health and Human Services provides some guidelines on Medicare coverage of certain stool tests.
Shopping for stool testing: |
|
|
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
|
Article updated June 2011 |
E-mail
Post