Quick answer
The Stool Routine Test costs ₹320 at Live Line Health Care. A same-day look at a stool sample, by eye and under the microscope, for worm eggs, parasites. No fasting is needed. It uses a stool sample and the report is usually ready the same day. Book home sample collection or visit any of our 45 centres.
Also known as: Complete Stool Examination, Stool Routine Examination, Stool R/E, Stool RE, CSE, Stool Test, Motion Test, Stool for Ova and Cysts, Stool Microscopy
What is the Stool Routine Test?
The Stool Routine test, also called complete stool examination or stool R/E, is the basic test for most tummy complaints. The lab first describes the sample as it looks, including colour, consistency, mucus and any visible blood. A small portion is then checked under the microscope for worm eggs (ova), the cysts and moving forms of parasites such as Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica, pus cells, red blood cells, fat droplets and undigested food. Simple chemical checks such as pH and reducing substances may be added, which can hint at problems digesting sugars.
Its main strength is finding parasites and signs of inflammation the same day. Worm infestations and amoebic or Giardia infections are common in India, particularly in children, and a routine stool test can find them directly. It does not grow bacteria, so it cannot tell which germ is behind a bacterial diarrhoea or which antibiotic will work. That is the Stool Culture test’s job. Small hidden bleeding can also be missed, which is why a separate Stool Occult Blood test exists. Parasites are passed on and off, so a doctor may ask for samples on more than one day.
What it measures: The physical appearance of stool and, under the microscope, worm eggs, parasites, pus cells, red cells, fat and undigested food.
Parameters included (8)
- Colour and Consistency
- Mucus
- Visible Blood
- pH and Reducing Substances
- Pus Cells and Red Blood Cells
- Ova (Worm Eggs)
- Cysts and Trophozoites
- Fat Globules and Undigested Food
Why is this test done?
- Diarrhoea, loose motions or dysentery
- Stomach pain, bloating or gas that keeps returning
- Suspected worms in children, or itching around the anus
- Anaemia or poor weight gain that may be linked to worms
- Greasy, foul-smelling stools that suggest poor absorption
- Food handler or hostel screening, when required
When should you get tested?
- Loose, watery or frequent stools
- Mucus in stools or cramping pain before passing them
- Worms seen in the stool
- Bloating, gas and a heavy feeling after meals
- Pale, bulky stools that float
How to prepare for the Stool Routine Test
- 1Use the clean container from the lab. Pass stool onto clean paper or into a dry pan, then transfer a portion the size of a large peanut, or a few spoonfuls if it is liquid.
- 2Make sure the sample does not touch urine, toilet water or soil.
- 3Return the sample within about 1 to 2 hours, as some parasites stop moving and are harder to see once stool cools.
- 4Tell the staff about any deworming tablets, antibiotics, antacids or laxatives taken recently, as some can affect what is seen.
Stool Routine Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Formed or semi-formed |
| Mucus and visible blood | Absent |
| Pus cells | Nil or occasional per high-power field |
| Red blood cells | Nil |
| Ova, cysts and trophozoites | Not seen |
These are typical findings in a healthy adult. Wording and units vary between labs, and your report’s reference takes precedence. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- Worm eggs or parasite cysts point to an infestation that is usually easy to treat. Your doctor will prescribe the right medicine and may advise treating others in the household.
- Many pus cells or red cells suggest inflammation of the bowel, often from infection. Your doctor may add a Stool Culture.
- Cysts of Entamoeba histolytica cannot be told apart from harmless look-alikes under the microscope, so your doctor will consider symptoms before treating.
- A normal report from one sample does not fully rule out parasites, since they are passed only from time to time.
- Black, tarry stools or heavy bleeding from the back passage need urgent medical care the same day.
Health packages that include this test
The Stool Routine Test is included in these full body checkups:
Book the Stool Routine Test in your city
Same price at all 45 centres. Choose your city for local centres and timings.
Telangana
Stool Routine Test – FAQs
What is the price of the Stool Routine Test?
The Stool Routine Test costs ₹320 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres and for home sample collection.
How much stool is needed for a stool routine test?
A small amount is enough, about the size of a large peanut or a teaspoon or two of liquid stool. Fill the container no more than a third. Please collect the part with mucus or blood, if there is any, as it is the most informative.
Can a stool routine test detect worms?
Yes. It looks for eggs of roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and others, along with tapeworm segments. Threadworm (pinworm) eggs are laid around the anus, so they are often missed, and your doctor may suggest a different method if that is suspected.
What do pus cells in stool mean?
An occasional pus cell is common. A larger number suggests the bowel lining is inflamed, often due to a bacterial or amoebic infection, and sometimes due to inflammatory bowel disease. Your doctor will look at your symptoms and may request further tests.
Should the stool sample be from the morning?
No particular time is needed. What matters most is freshness, so collect it whenever you pass stool and bring it to the lab soon. If you cannot deliver it within two hours, ask the centre for advice before collecting.
Why might my doctor ask for three stool samples?
Parasites and their eggs are not passed in every stool. Testing samples from different days improves the chance of finding them, especially when symptoms continue despite a normal first report. Your doctor will tell you if repeat samples are needed.
Where can I get the Stool Routine Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore, or book home sample collection.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.