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Stool Testing

Stool Testing

Experiencing gastrointestinal issues that cause discomfort or embarrassment? A stool test can help to identify the problem and enable it to be treated. For comprehensive stool testing that can shine some light on your health and wellness, make an appointment with Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic.

What Is the Purpose of Stool Testing?

Stool testing can help to diagnose numerous conditions, including infection of the digestive tract caused by the existence of pathogenic bacteria. A doctor will often request a stool test if the patient presents symptoms such as:

  • Diarrhoea that lasts numerous days
  • Traces of blood or mucous in faeces
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • High fever

These symptoms can often be indicative of gastrointestinal illness, which stool testing will typically either confirm or rule out.

Types of Stool Tests

There are two main types of stool tests. The first is the Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) which is used to test for bowel cancer in otherwise healthy people. The FOBT examines the stool for traces of blood. If blood is found, then the person will undergo further testing to determine the reason for the presence of blood.

Here in Australia, many people between the ages of 50 and 74 are eligible for a free FOBT through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. If you’d like to find out more, speak to one of the practitioners at our natural therapy clinic.

The second form of stool testing is stool culture. This test identifies what type of bacteria might be present and causing illness such as diarrhoea or infection of the lower digestive tract. The test aims to determine whether or not bacteria is pathogenic (i.e. disease causing) or whether it’s the type of bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract (i.e. normal flora).

What Are the Different Types of Pathogenic Bacteria?

The most common types detected by stool testing include:

  • Salmonella – Found in raw eggs, raw poultry and uncooked vegetables
  • Shigella – Found in water or food products that may have been contaminated with faeces
  • Campylobacter – Present in poultry that’s raw or undercooked. Can be particularly serious if it makes its way into the bloodstream
  • Escherichia coli 0157:H7 – Better known as E. coli, it’s commonly found in hamburger meat or beef that’s raw or undercooked
  • Clostridium difficule – It’s possible that these might exist as part of the normal flora, however when combined with antibiotics, they have a tendency to overgrow

How Is the Stool Sample Collected?

Worried about how we go about collecting your sample for stool testing? Don’t be − you can take care of it in the privacy of your own home. We’ll supply you with a sterile container that needs to remain free from contaminants such as urine or water. To avoid your stool coming into contact with urine or water, make sure you place something in the toilet bowl to catch your stool. Once you’ve caught it, transfer it into the container. Be sure to not use your hands, as they might contaminate the sample.

When Am I Likely to Be Most at Risk?

Your doctor or medical practitioner will likely request a stool test if you’re experiencing stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever or diarrhoea. If you’re either particularly young or particularly elderly, your immune system is weak, you’ve ingested food or water that might have been contaminated, or you’re experiencing severe symptoms, you may be suffering from a gastrointestinal issue that requires stool testing.

Book an Appointment with Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic Today

Whether you’re looking for comprehensive stool testing, SIBO testing or just an acupuncture clinic in Melbourne, you can count on Melbourne Natural Medicine Clinic to provide you with the trusted services and advice you need to live a life of optimal health and wellness. For stool testing, TCM in Melbourne and more, speak to our friendly team by (03) 9686 2566.

Reviews

I have been seeing Erin Graystone for the last 5 months for gut issues I have had for a number of years. She is very knowledgeable and ensured that the treatment and solution provided was targeted and tailored to my issues which has brought me great relief and improvement. A very professional, friendly and understanding approach that I would recommend to others.
Lina is absolutely fantastic to work with. Her passion for her work shows in absolutely every aspect of her practise - her level of care, her thoroughness & determination to help.
Angela is friendly and helpful, she takes the time to explain things clearly and cares about health. I have felt an improvement since following her advice thank you 🙏
Emma is friendly, knowledgeable & very thorough in her testing so as to resolve existing issues.
Coming into the clinic it feels instantly warm and cuddly. Very welcoming. I had the pleasure of seeing Rebecca, she was amazing and very knowledgable. Rebecca was brilliant at prescribing me natural supplements that catered to my specific needs. I’d love to praise her on her communication skills also, I am Deaf, and even having my interpreter alongside me, Rebecca spoke and looked directly at me, making me feel seen, heard and understood. I would also give a big round of applause to the receptionist and other staff at the clinic, they were all very accomodating, warm and friendly.
I've been seeing Lina for about two years now to treat a skin related condition. Lina is extremely knowledgeable; she is patient and persistent but best of all, she is practical! Her advice was tailored to suit my lifestyle and commitments without being unworkable or unrealistic. She really cares and is passionate about health. I would recommend Lina 100%.
I have been seeing Erin Graystone for the past 4 months due to leaky gut symptoms and a bacterial overgrowth in my GI tract. Erin is knowledgeable, kind and understanding and really goes the extra mile to make sure you are getting the right treatment. My symptoms are greatly reduced and we are on track to a full recovery after 10 years of other practitioner’s not finding an answer. It’s been life changing. Can’t recommend her highly enough. Thankyou Erin
Today was my second visit with Lina who is so kind and caring and she has given me hope that my perimenopause symptoms can be balanced with her guidance. I have already felt a shift in my sleep which had been horrible. The clinic is so lovely, staff are very helpful and I look forward to the journey ahead of managing this transition in my life.
I've had stomach problems for years and doctors have never properly diagnosed the problem. After one meeting with Emma I was giving a breath test and found the issue. We are now working to fix the issue

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