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What Blood Tests and Stool Sample?

Posted , 4 users are following.

sue18123
sue18123

Hi, just a random question.

Are there any specific blood tests that can help towards determining GI disease is present? I don't mean anything that can definitely diagnose a specific condition but just something that would indicate there could be an issue. For example, low iron levels could indicate a GI bleed, etc. I'm also aware of coeliac screening. Is there anything else at all?

Also, I've been have some BM issues and will be making an appt with myGP. Would it be appropriate to take a stool sample along with me (I have a couple of urine sample test tubes and could use one of them) or do you need to wait for GP to actually request one?

Thanks for any help. 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • rhonda19552
    rhonda19552 sue18123

    Posted

    hI,, You can have a faecal stool test for blood.  You need to have 3 separate days samples and the pathology place will provide you with these.  You can also be tested for any bacteria.

    Re blood tests they just do a full blood examination.

    Cheers.

  • Musings
    Musings sue18123

    Posted

    You can request a fecael calprotectin test which detects inflammation levels in your colon. Higher levels can suggest IBD but further testing would be required to verify that.

    Would wait for your doctor to order a fecal/stool test before supplying a sample. Some tests (like for c.diff) need to be submitted in a specific time frame so best to know that ahead of time and not have a sample degrade.

  • frazzled
    frazzled sue18123

    Posted

    Hi:  I suggest you do not take stool sample or urine sample containers because they will not use them.  May be contaminated and not in your best interest.

    Doc will no doubt request CBC along with lipids testing and you should request thyroid, A1c and B12 tests as part of your blood work.  Since you haven't complained of abd. pain, I doubt he/she will request a CT scan but you might inquire about bile acid malabsorption (BAM) test, if you have burning after a bm or a burning hot feeling in your lower abd.  If he/she thinks you have something that should be looked at in your gut or stomach, a colonoscopy and/or endoscopy may be suggested to you.  Don't let the doc get away without telling you what you can do to improve or make the condition go away,  When they don't find anything specific, they chalk it up to IBS and then tell you nothing about treating it.

    Write down everything you want to ask before you go in.  I usually have a consult prior to undressing and sitting on the exam table like the next victim.  Good luck.

    • sue18123
      sue18123 frazzled

      Posted

      Thank you very much for the info. I have my A1c and thyroid checked regualrly as part of my diabetes care and they were done in May and were fine. 

      Yes, I'm a bit concerned they will just say, oh IBS and that's it. 

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