Examination of fecal matter to quantify white blood cells (WBCs) is a diagnostic procedure. This laboratory analysis involves collecting and processing a sample to identify and count leukocytes present in the stool. The presence of these cells often indicates inflammation or infection within the gastrointestinal tract. For example, a physician might order this analysis when a patient presents with persistent diarrhea and abdominal pain to investigate possible inflammatory bowel disease.
The clinical significance of determining WBC levels in stool lies in its ability to differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory causes of digestive distress. Elevated WBC counts can suggest conditions like bacterial infections, parasitic infestations, or inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Historically, this analysis has been a valuable tool in gastroenterology for guiding treatment decisions and monitoring disease progression.