What this test measures
A stool routine reports the macroscopic appearance — colour, consistency (Bristol type), volume, presence of mucus, frank blood, undigested food particles, worms — and a basic chemical exam for occult blood, pH and reducing substances (when ordered). It is the foundational stool test that flags whether more detailed microscopy or culture is needed.
In many Indian labs "stool routine" is the macroscopic + chemical layer only, while "stool routine and microscopy" adds a wet-mount microscopic exam for parasites, RBCs and WBCs. Either may be ordered alone depending on the clinical question.
Why it matters
Acute and chronic diarrhoea remain very common in India across all age groups, driven by waterborne pathogens, helminths, viral gastroenteritis, antibiotic-associated changes and food sensitivities. A simple stool routine helps your doctor quickly classify the diarrhoea (watery, inflammatory, bloody, fatty, or osmotic) and decide whether to order microscopy, culture, ova-and-parasite testing or imaging.
The test is also part of routine paediatric workup for persistent diarrhoea, malabsorption, suspected worm infestation, jaundice (pale stools), and pre-operative screening for GI bleeding.
How to prepare
Collect a small, fresh stool sample in a clean, dry, leak-proof container provided by the lab. Avoid contamination with urine or toilet water. Send within 1 hour, or refrigerate (4°C) for up to 12 hours if delivery is delayed. For frank blood / mucus the most representative portion should be sampled. Avoid laxatives, enemas, barium contrast and antibiotics for at least 7 days before if possible — they alter results. Avoid testing during menstruation (false-positive blood).
Markers & reference ranges
Reference ranges below are typical adult values. Your lab's reported range may differ slightly based on the assay platform and patient demographics — always read your report against the range printed on it.
| Marker | Normal range | If low | If high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colour (—)[1] | Brown | Pale / clay-coloured stool: bile flow obstruction (gallstones, cholangitis, biliary atresia in infants). Pair with LFT and ultrasound. | Black tarry stool (melaena): upper-GI bleeding (peptic ulcer, varices). Red stool: lower-GI bleed, beetroot, drug colour. Green: rapid transit, antibiotics, leafy greens. |
| Consistency (Bristol stool type) (—) | Bristol 3 – 4 | Bristol 1–2 (hard pellets / lumpy): constipation, low fibre / fluid, IBS-constipation, hypothyroidism. | Bristol 5–7 (mushy / liquid): infectious diarrhoea, malabsorption, IBS-diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease. |
| Mucus (—) | Absent | Normal. | Mucus + blood: bacillary or amoebic dysentery, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer. |
| Blood (visible) (—) | Absent | Normal. | Visible blood: haemorrhoids, anal fissure, infectious colitis, IBD, polyps, cancer. Black tarry stools → upper-GI bleed. |
Bristol stool chart at a glance
| Bristol type | Description | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Separate hard lumps | Severe constipation |
| Type 2 | Lumpy sausage | Mild constipation |
| Type 3 | Sausage with cracks | Normal |
| Type 4 | Smooth, soft sausage | Normal (ideal) |
| Type 5 | Soft blobs | Lacking fibre, mild diarrhoea tendency |
| Type 6 | Mushy, ragged edges | Mild diarrhoea |
| Type 7 | Watery, no solid pieces | Severe diarrhoea |
Frequently asked questions
How is "stool routine" different from "stool routine and microscopy"?
Stool routine reports the macroscopic and chemical findings (colour, consistency, mucus, blood, pH). Stool routine and microscopy additionally includes a microscopic exam for parasites, RBCs, WBCs and bacteria. Most clinicians order the combined panel.
How should I collect a stool sample?
Pass stool onto a clean, dry surface (e.g. cling film stretched across the toilet, or a clean pan). Transfer a thumb-sized portion into the lab container with the scoop provided. Avoid urine, water and toilet paper contamination. Close the lid tightly.
How fresh does the sample need to be?
Within 1 hour of passing is ideal. If delivery will take longer, refrigerate at 4°C — but do not freeze. Most parasites and chemistry markers degrade after 12 hours.
Can I collect stool during my period?
No — menstrual blood can contaminate the sample and produce false-positive blood. Reschedule for 3 days after the period ends.
My stool is black — should I worry?
Black tarry stool (melaena) suggests upper-GI bleeding and needs urgent evaluation. Black non-tarry stool can also be from iron supplements, bismuth, or dark foods (liquorice, beetroot). When in doubt, consult a doctor.
Do I need to stop my medications before the test?
Mention all medication to your doctor. Antibiotics, antacids, antidiarrhoeals, laxatives, NSAIDs and iron supplements can change stool appearance and chemistry. They are usually not stopped just for this test.
How long does the report take?
NABL labs typically deliver stool routine reports within 4–6 hours.
Related Microbiology / Urine / Stool tests
Tests commonly ordered alongside STOOL ROUTINE, or that help interpret an unexpected result.
Sources & references
- NIH MedlinePlus — Stool Tests · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- NCBI StatPearls — Stool Analysis · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
- WHO — Basic Laboratory Methods in Medical Parasitology · accessed 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000Z
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