Coprological research is a fairly common analysis of feces, during which the color, texture and composition of feces are evaluated. Such a procedure makes it possible to obtain information about the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients in the intestine.
When is fecal coprology analysis needed?
A similar study is prescribed for patients with a wide variety of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With the help of the analysis, it is possible to determine in which particular section of the digestive system a violation has occurred and what it is associated with. This method can be used to diagnose both chronic and acute diseases.
Coprological research: basic visual assessment criteria
With such an analysis of feces, all, even the most insignificant, details are taken into account.
- Consistency of feces . This criterion directly depends on the content in the feces of water and indicates the time spent by the masses in the distal colon. The stool of a normal person contains from 80 to 85% water. A lower percentage of fluid indicates constipation, and if the moisture level is higher, then the patient is likely to suffer from diarrhea.
- Quantity is also considered a very important indicator of the digestive system. For example, it is believed that 100 to 200 g of feces should be excreted per day in a healthy person. If this indicator is less, then we can assume the presence of constipation. If the amount is higher than the average norm, then this may be due to insufficient digestion in the cavity of the small intestine or a violation of the secretion of bile. But with pancreatic insufficiency, the daily amount of feces can exceed 1 kg.
- Coprological research includes color analysis of feces.
- Smell is another important factor. During normal intestinal function, the smell of feces is due to the content of protein decay products in it. If the smell is putrid, then there is reason to consider the presence of insufficiency of gastric digestion. An acidic smell appears in the presence of a fermentation dispersion. The unpleasant smell of rancid oil indicates a violation of secretion in the pancreas or an insufficient supply of bile.
Coprological examination of feces: chemical composition
In addition to physical characteristics (smell, quantity, consistency), the chemical composition of feces is of great importance.
- PH reaction . In a healthy person, the reaction of feces is neutral, in the extreme case, slightly alkaline. An acid reaction indicates impaired absorption of fatty acids in the small intestine. An alkaline reaction indicates the decay of protein components that are not digested in the small intestine and stomach.
- The presence of protein . To begin with, it should be noted that there should be no proteins in the stool of a healthy person. Proteins are found in feces only in case of disorders such as gastritis, intestinal or stomach ulcers, the presence of a malignant tumor, colitis, and dysbiosis. Protein in feces may indicate the presence of cracks in the rectum, hemorrhoids or proctitis.
- Hidden blood . This analysis demonstrates the presence in the stool of blood that is not visible by visual examination. What does the blood testify to? First of all, about the presence of bleeding in any part of the digestive system, starting from the oral cavity and gums and ending with the stomach and intestines. Blood can be the result of diseases such as hemorrhoids, polyposis, ulcers, or hemorrhagic diathesis.
- The presence of bilirubin . Bilirubin is present only in the feces of a newborn baby until a bacterial flora forms in its intestines. If the stool of an adult contains one or another amount of this pigment, this can be the result of either a severe form of dysbiosis or too fast movement of food masses through the intestines.
In addition, a coprological study includes a wide variety of tests that determine the presence of muscle fibers, connective tissue elements, white blood cells, starch, fiber, etc. in the feces. In any case, a properly conducted study gives a clear picture of the human digestive system and possible disorders.