A stool test is a diagnostic procedure that involves analyzing fecal matter, or poop, to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or disease. The specific analysis depends on a person’s symptoms ...

Stool samples can help doctors diagnose some health conditions. Tips for collecting a stool sample include urinating before collecting the sample and using any tools that the sample kit provides.

If you are having digestive symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an at-home stool test, in which you collect stool samples and send them to a lab or bring them to your doctor’s office for analysis.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends colorectal cancer screening for all adults starting at age 45. After age 75, the task force recommends talking with your health care team to decide ...

Q: My doctor always encourages me to do a colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. But I have friends who just do a stool test at home, which seems easier. Why should I go through the hassle of a ...