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Stool Gram stain

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Gram stain of stool; Feces Gram stain

Definition    Return to top

A stool Gram stain is a laboratory test that uses different stains to detect and identify bacteria in a stool sample.

The Gram stain method is sometimes used to rapidly diagnose bacterial infections.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

You will need to collect a stool sample.

There are many ways to collect a sample. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat, and then place the sample in a clean container. (One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample.) Do not take stool samples from the toilet bowl water, because this can cause errors.

If you need to collect a sample from a child still in diapers, line the diaper with plastic wrap. Position the plastic wrap so that it keeps the stool from any urine. Mixing of urine and stool can spoil a good sample.

Your health care provider will give you instructions on when and how to return the sample.

The sample is sent to a laboratory. A small amount is spread in a very thin layer on a glass slide. This is called a smear. A series of special stains are added to the sample. The lab team member examines the stained smear under the microscope, looking for bacteria. The color, size, and shape of the cells help identify the specific bacteria.

How the Test Will Feel    Return to top

A lab smear is painless and does not involve the patient.

There is no discomfort when a stool sample is collected at home because it only involves normal bowel functions.

Why the Test is Performed    Return to top

Your doctor may order this test to help diagnose an intestinal infection or illness, sometimes involving diarrhea.

Normal Results    Return to top

A normal result means only normal or "friendly" bacteria were seen on the stained slide. Everyone has friendly bacteria in their intestines.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

An abnormal result means that an intestinal infection may be present. Stool cultures and other tests can also help diagnose the cause of the infection.

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks.

References    Return to top

DuPont HL. Approach to the patient with suspected enteric infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 305.

Update Date: 11/2/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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