Stool Analysis: How To Prepare

Content provided by Healthwise

How To Prepare

Many medicines can change the results of this test. You will need to avoid certain medications depending on which kind of stool analysis you have. You may need to stop taking medicines such as antacids, antidiarrheal medications, antiparasite medications, antibiotics, enemas, laxatives, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 1 to 2 weeks before you have the test. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have:

• Recently had an X-ray test using barium contrast material, such as a barium enema or upper gastrointestinal series (barium swallow). Barium can interfere with test results.
• Traveled in recent weeks or months, especially if you have traveled outside the country. Parasites, fungi, viruses, or bacteria from other countries may affect the test.

If your stool is being tested for blood, you will need to follow a special diet for 2 days before the stool collection period begins. Your doctor will give you a list of recommended foods.

• Do not eat red meat, turnips, cauliflower, broccoli, bananas, cantaloupe, beets, or parsnips.
• Do not drink alcohol, including wine and beer.
• Do not take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve)
• Do not take vitamin C.

Last updated:	April 11, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer