Stool Tests

Diarrhea that will not go away, recurring stomach pain, a child who is not gaining weight or a suspicion of parasites: the stool test answers questions the visit alone cannot. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena we give you the container and instructions, analyze the sample and explain the result in Spanish or English.

What does the stool test detect?

Parasites and their eggs (amoebas, giardia, worms), bacterial intestinal infections, hidden blood that is not visible to the eye, and signs of malabsorption or inflammation. Depending on symptoms, the physician orders the general exam (ova and parasites), the occult blood test, a stool culture to identify bacteria, or, depending on lab availability, specific tests such as H. pylori in stool.

How is the sample collected at home?

1. We give you a clean container with a lid; do not use household jars.
2. Collect the sample on clean paper or a dry container, without letting it touch toilet water or urine.
3. With the container's scoop, take an amount the size of a walnut, or a few spoonfuls if liquid, and close it tightly.
4. Write your name, date and time; bring it to the clinic the same day, within two hours if possible, or keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if instructed.
5. For parasites, three samples from different days are sometimes requested, because they are not shed every day.

Do I need any preparation?

For the general exam, no. For the occult blood test, depending on the type, you may be asked to avoid red meat, anti-inflammatories and certain vitamins for a few days beforehand; we tell you when we give you the container. If you take antibiotics or anti-diarrheals, say so: they can alter the result and sometimes it is better to wait.

When should I request it for a child?

Diarrhea for more than a week, repeated abdominal pain, anal itching at night, odd appetite, paleness or poor weight gain are common reasons. Parasites are common in children who attend daycare or who visited rural areas, and treatment is usually short and effective. If a child has diarrhea with high fever, blood or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, little urine, listlessness), come the same day.

What treatment follows?

It depends on the finding: antiparasitic medication for one or several days, an antibiotic only if the culture justifies it, treatment for H. pylori, or diet changes and follow-up if there is malabsorption. Positive occult blood in an adult requires looking for the cause, including a colonoscopy referral depending on age and history.

How much does a stool test cost in Pasadena?

We give you the price of each test by phone at (281) 747-8817. No health insurance is needed; we accept cash and cards.

What is the visit like?

Walk in from 9 AM to 9 PM, the physician evaluates the symptoms and gives you the container with instructions; you bring the sample and we let you know the result to review it together. If the illness comes with vomiting or dehydration, blood tests and hydration are handled at the same clinic.

Medical center near you in Pasadena and Houston, TX

We are a Hispanic clinic in the Houston, TX area: we care for patients across Pasadena and South Houston, South Belt, Genoa, Sagemont, Galena Park, Deer Park, Hobby (Houston) and surrounding communities.