How Do Doctors Test for Diarrhea?
How Do Doctors Test for Diarrhea?
What's This About?
Testing for diarrhea can help identify the cause and guide treatment, especially when symptoms are severe or persistent.
Contents
- When Tests Are Needed
- Types of Tests Used
- Interpreting Test Results
When Tests Are Needed
Not all diarrhea cases require testing. Doctors typically order tests when symptoms are severe, such as high fever, dehydration, or bloody stools. Tests are also warranted for patients with a history of recent travel, or in public health scenarios like outbreaks.
Types of Tests Used
The most common tests are stool cultures and molecular panels, which help identify bacterial, viral, or parasitic causes. Blood tests might also be required to check for dehydration or other complications. In some cases, imaging tests are used to rule out other issues.
Interpreting Test Results
Test results can reveal whether a bacterial or viral agent is causing the symptoms. Positive results guide specific treatments, while negative results may suggest a non-infectious cause, leading to further investigation.
FAQs
When is testing necessary?
Testing is needed when symptoms are severe or if there are public health concerns.
What do stool tests detect?
Stool tests detect bacterial, viral, or parasitic causes of diarrhea.
Can imaging tests be used?
Yes, imaging tests can help rule out other abdominal conditions.
The Bottom Line
Proper testing can pinpoint the cause of diarrhea, leading to effective treatment.
Additional References
- Clark SD et al. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz162.
- Binnicker MJ. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:3723.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.