White Blood Cells (WBC), Stool
Also known as: Fecal Leukocyte Stain, Stool for White Cells, WBC, Stool, White Cells, Stool
Use
Assist in the differential diagnosis of diarrheal disease
Special Instructions
Positive results for fecal leukocytes are suggestive of bacterial involvement in diarrheal diseases. A positive occult blood test may also support the diagnosis of acute bacterial diarrhea, but neither method is fully sensitive or specific, hence culture is usually recommended for final confirmation.
Limitations
The test has limitations in that 10% to 15% of stools yielding an invasive bacterial pathogen may show absence of fecal leukocytes. Additionally, fecal leukocytes are present in idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, which can mimic bacterial infections. Conditions such as toxigenic bacterial infection, giardiasis, and viral infections might not show fecal leukocytes, potentially leading to false-negative interpretations.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 13655-6
- 13655-6
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
1 Gram
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Parasite (O & P) transport (PVA) vial only
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen transport device; improper labeling; unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and request label; specimen received after prolonged delay