Stool tests

Stool testing involves providing a small quantity of stool to be examined in the laboratory. This type of test can provide useful information regarding the presence/severity of inflammation by examining faecal calprotectin (FC) levels. Stool testing can help with diagnosis by ruling out the presence of other infectious pathogens (e.g., bacteria, virus) that may be the cause of symptoms. Similarly, in cases of confirmed IBD, testing for other pathogens can help doctors distinguish between an IBD-related flare-up and other forms of illness that may imitate IBD symptoms (e.g., bacterial infection).