PHYSICAL Examination of stool
Physical examination by visual Observation for the following aspect.
1. Volume
2. Odor
3. Consistency
4. Mucous
5. Blood
6. PH
Volume:- 150gm to 260gt
Odor:- the normal unpleasant smell associated with stool is a result of the bacteria.
Color: – The normal color is light to dark brown due to the presence of bile pigment.
Consistency:- normal well formed.
Abnormal
Hard in constipation
Semi-solid in mild diarrhea
Watery in Bacterial infection
Mucus:- a small amount of mucus is present in a stool.
Access the amount of mucus present in case of infection.
Entirely mucus is present in case of diarrhea and dysentery.
PH Determination :-
Clinical significance: –
Normal stool specimen or slightly acidic neutral or slightly alkaline the pH value obtained may range from 5.8 to 7.5.
1. Strongly acidic Stool (pH below 5.5)
-non pathogenic
Excess of carbohydrate in diet.
-pathogenic
Fermentation May be due to lactose intolerance.
2. Strongly alkaline PH(more than 7.5)
– non pathogenic
Excess of protein In diet.
Requirement: –
PH paper (range 4 to 9 or 2 to 10)
Procedure:-
Dip pH paper in a small quantity of the fecal materials.
ObserveObserve the Colour.
Compare with color chart and record the pH.
