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Stool specimens are asked for if the problem might be caused by infection – perhaps a bacterial infection like salmonella, or a parasitic infection like threadworms. If there are any bacteria or parasites, these will normally be present in the faeces.

Stool specimens may also show ‘occult’ bleeding – i.e. blood that cannot be visibly seen in the stools, but is present nonetheless. This may occur when there is bleeding higher up in the stomach or the upper reaches of the small intestine: by the time it is passed, it is no longer red, but dark brown or black and therefore may not be noticed.

Stool samples can also show increased amounts of mucus or pus, and will invariably show any blood that comes from the lower parts of the colon, rectum and anus.