Alternate Names: Gram stain of stool; Feces gram stain

How Performed: A sample of stool is applied in a very thin layer to a microscope slide. The specimen is stained with a violet stain then a red stain known as a gram stain and examined under the microscope for the presence of bacteria. The color, number, and morphologic appearance of the cells make it possible to identify the genus of the organism.

How To Prepare: Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.

How It Feels: Some people feel discomfort or embarrassment with this test.

Risks: There are no risks.

Why Performed: The test may be performed in an undiagnosed infection or illness involving diarrhea.

Normal Values: No presence of organisms is normal.

Abnormal Results: An intestinal infection may be present.

Cost:

Special Considerations: An additional examination of the specimen may be indicated for conditions other than infection.