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| Meta Title | White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool: MedlinePlus Medical Test |
| Meta Description | A white blood cell in stool (poop) test looks for white blood cells (leukocytes) in stool to help find out if inflammation is causing diarrhea. Learn more. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | What is a white blood cell (WBC) in stool test?
This test looks for white blood cells in a sample of your
stool
(poop). White blood cells are also called leukocytes, so this test is sometimes called a leukocytes in stool test.
White blood cells are part of your
immune system
. They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. White blood cells in your stool are usually a sign that you have an infection or other condition in your
digestive system
that's causing inflammation.
A white blood cell in stool test is used if you have
diarrhea
that could be caused by inflammation. Diarrhea from inflammation is severe and lasts for more than a couple days. It can include
blood in stool
,
abdominal (belly) pain
, and
fever
. It may be caused by:
Certain
bacterial infections
, such as:
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)
. This infection mostly happens after taking
antibiotics
that kill the "good germs" that keep
C. diff
bacteria from growing in your body.
Some types of bacteria that cause "
food poisoning
,"
including:
Salmonella
. Most infections come from contaminated food, but you can get salmonella from infected animals, especially reptiles and birds.
Shigella
. Infection with
shigella
is called shigellosis. You can get it from food and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.
Campylobacter
. Infection can happen from food and contact with dog and cat feces (poop).
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
, which includes:
Ulcerative colitis
Crohn's disease
A parasite
(Entamoeba histolytica)
which causes a disease called "amebiasis." Amebiasis is most common in tropical places with poor sanitary conditions.
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the exact condition that's causing diarrhea. But it can help narrow down the possible causes to conditions that either do or don't involve inflammation.
Other names: leukocytes in stool, stool WBC, fecal WBC, fecal leukocyte test, FLT, FGST, fecal leukoctye gram stain screen
What is it used for?
A white blood cell in stool test is used to find out whether diarrhea is caused by conditions that involve inflammation in the digestive system.
It's mainly used for people who have diarrhea symptoms that suggest inflammation. These symptoms include:
Watery diarrhea three or more times a day that doesn't get better after several days
Abdominal (belly) cramps and/or pain
Blood and/or mucus in stool
Fever
Fatigue
Weight loss
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the condition that's causing diarrhea, so it's often used with other tests.
Why do I need a white blood cell in stool test?
Most diarrhea goes away on its own after a day or two, and your health care provider doesn't need to find the cause. But you may need a white blood cell in stool test and other tests if you have symptoms of diarrhea from inflammation that don't improve after a few days.
Knowing the cause of your diarrhea helps your provider choose the right treatment. That's important because ongoing diarrhea can lead to serious health problems, including
dehydration
and
electrolyte imbalances
.
See your provider right away if you have:
Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dark urine (pee), fatigue, or
dizziness
Diarrhea for more than 2 days, or for more than 24 hours in a young child or infant
A fever of 102 degrees or higher
Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum
Stool that is black and tarry or contains blood or pus
In adults: frequent
vomiting
or diarrhea 6 or more times in 24 hours
What happens during a white blood cell in stool test?
You will need to provide a stool sample for your test. Your provider will probably give you a container or kit with instructions on how to collect the sample. There are different ways to collect stool samples, so follow the instructions carefully. In general, you'll need to:
Label the container with your name, the collection date, and time.
Collect a stool sample as instructed. This usually involves using a clean, dry container, or special paper or plastic wrap placed over the toilet to catch the stool.
Make sure the stool doesn't mix with any urine, toilet paper, or water from the toilet.
Close the container tightly.
Wash your hands well with soap and water.
Return the container according to the instructions.
If you're collecting a sample from diapers, you'll get special instructions for using plastic wrap inside of a clean diaper. In certain cases, a provider may use a swab to take a stool sample from the rectum.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Certain medicines and foods may affect the test results. Ask your provider if there are any specific things you need to avoid before the test.
Are there any risks to the test?
There is no known risk to having a white blood cell in stool test.
What do the results mean?
A positive or abnormal test result
means that white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That means you have inflammation in your digestive tract. This information helps rule out conditions that
don't
cause inflammation, including
viral infections
, certain bacteria, and most parasites. Other tests can help find out what is causing your illness.
A negative or normal test result
means that no white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That
may
mean that inflammation isn't causing your illness. But a normal test result can't rule out conditions that cause inflammation. That's because white blood cells don't last long in a stool sample.
If your stool sample contained a small number of cells that broke apart during testing, they may not show up. So, you could have inflammation in your digestive system even though your test didn't find any white blood cells in your stool.
Learn more about
laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results
.
Is there anything else I need to know about a white blood cell in stool test?
Instead of a white blood cell in stool test, your provider may order a more accurate test to check for inflammation in your digestive system. It's called a calprotectin fecal test. Calprotectin is a protein that certain white blood cells release in the intestine when there is inflammation.
References
Akhondi H, Simonsen KA. Bacterial Diarrhea. [Updated 2022 Aug 8;cited 2022 Dec 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551643/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Internet]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About C. diff; [reviewed 2019 Nov 13; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/c-diff/about/
CHOC Children's [Internet]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-program
CHOC Children's [Internet]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Stool Tests; [cited 2022 Nov 23; [about 8 screens]. Available from:
https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/digestive-disorder-diagnostics/stool-tests
Guandalini S. Diarrhea Workup. [updated 2020 Jan 31; cited 2022 Dec 10].In: Medscape Drugs & Diseases: Pediatrics: General Medicine [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): WebMD LLC; c1994-2022. Available from:
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-workup
Labcorp [Internet]. Burlington (NC): Laboratory Corporation of America(r) Holdings; c2022. White Blood Cells (WBC), Stool; [cited 2022 Dec 10]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.labcorp.com/tests/008656/white-blood-cells-wbc-stool
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. C. difficile infection: Symptoms and causes; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Dehydration: Symptoms and causes; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 7 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Food poisoning: Symptoms and causes; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 8 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Symptoms and causes; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315
Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Salmonella infection: Symptoms and causes; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 9 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329
Mayo Clinic: Mayo Medical Laboratories [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1995-2022. Test ID: LEU: Fecal Leukocytes: Clinical and Interpretative; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 2 screens]. Available from:
https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/api/sitecore/TestCatalog/DownloadTestCatalog?testId=8046
Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2022. Diarrhea in Adults; [reviewed 2022 Jan; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 2 screens]. Available from:
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/diarrhea-in-adults
Meisenheimer ES MD, MBA, Epstein C DO, Thiel D MD, MPH. Acute Diarrhea in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Jul [cited 2022 Dec 10];106(1):72-80. PMID: 35839362. Available from:
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html
National Cancer Institute [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukocyte; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/leukocyte
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Diagnosis of Diarrhea; [reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 4 screens]. Available from:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/diagnosis
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Foodborne Illnesses; [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 3 screens]. Available from:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/foodborne-illnesses
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Treatment for Diarrhea; [reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 4 screens]. Available from:
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment
Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, Tarr PI, Steiner TS, Kotloff K, Langley JM, Wanke C, Warren CA, Cheng AC, Cantey J, Pickering LK. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Nov 29 [cited 2022 Dec 10];65(12):e45-e80. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix669. PMID: 29053792; PMCID: PMC5850553. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5850553/
Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Fecal Calprotectin test; [modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Dec 10]; [about 10 screens]. Available from:
https://www.testing.com/tests/calprotectin/
Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Clostridium difficile and C. diff Toxin Testing; [modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 8 screens]. Available from:
https://www.testing.com/tests/clostridium-difficile-and-c-diff-toxin-test/
UF Health: University of Florida Health [Internet]. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Health; c2022. Shigellosis: Overview; [reviewed 2020 Mar 4; ; cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 2 screens]. Available from:
https://ufhealth.org/shigellosis
University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2022. Health Encyclopedia: White Blood Cell (Stool); [cited 2022 Nov 23]; [about 2 screens]. Available from:
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=stool_wbc |
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White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool
URL of this page: https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/white-blood-cell-wbc-in-stool/
# White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool
To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript.
## What is a white blood cell (WBC) in stool test?
This test looks for white blood cells in a sample of your [stool](https://medlineplus.gov/bowelmovement.html) (poop). White blood cells are also called leukocytes, so this test is sometimes called a leukocytes in stool test.
White blood cells are part of your [immune system](https://medlineplus.gov/immunesystemanddisorders.html). They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. White blood cells in your stool are usually a sign that you have an infection or other condition in your [digestive system](https://medlineplus.gov/digestivediseases.html) that's causing inflammation.
A white blood cell in stool test is used if you have [diarrhea](https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html) that could be caused by inflammation. Diarrhea from inflammation is severe and lasts for more than a couple days. It can include [blood in stool](https://medlineplus.gov/gastrointestinalbleeding.html), [abdominal (belly) pain](https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html), and [fever](https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html). It may be caused by:
- **Certain [bacterial infections](https://medlineplus.gov/bacterialinfections.html)**, such as:
- ***[Clostridium difficile (C. diff)](https://medlineplus.gov/cdiffinfections.html)***. This infection mostly happens after taking [antibiotics](https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html) that kill the "good germs" that keep *C. diff* bacteria from growing in your body.
- **Some types of bacteria that cause "[food poisoning](https://medlineplus.gov/foodborneillness.html),"** including:
- *[Salmonella](https://medlineplus.gov/salmonellainfections.html)*. Most infections come from contaminated food, but you can get salmonella from infected animals, especially reptiles and birds.
- *Shigella*. Infection with *shigella* is called shigellosis. You can get it from food and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.
- *[Campylobacter](https://medlineplus.gov/campylobacterinfections.html)*. Infection can happen from food and contact with dog and cat feces (poop).
- **Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)**, which includes:
- [Ulcerative colitis](https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html)
- [Crohn's disease](https://medlineplus.gov/crohnsdisease.html)
- **[A parasite](https://medlineplus.gov/parasiticdiseases.html)** *(Entamoeba histolytica)* which causes a disease called "amebiasis." Amebiasis is most common in tropical places with poor sanitary conditions.
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the exact condition that's causing diarrhea. But it can help narrow down the possible causes to conditions that either do or don't involve inflammation.
Other names: leukocytes in stool, stool WBC, fecal WBC, fecal leukocyte test, FLT, FGST, fecal leukoctye gram stain screen
## What is it used for?
A white blood cell in stool test is used to find out whether diarrhea is caused by conditions that involve inflammation in the digestive system.
It's mainly used for people who have diarrhea symptoms that suggest inflammation. These symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea three or more times a day that doesn't get better after several days
- Abdominal (belly) cramps and/or pain
- Blood and/or mucus in stool
- Fever
- [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html)
- Weight loss
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the condition that's causing diarrhea, so it's often used with other tests.
## Why do I need a white blood cell in stool test?
Most diarrhea goes away on its own after a day or two, and your health care provider doesn't need to find the cause. But you may need a white blood cell in stool test and other tests if you have symptoms of diarrhea from inflammation that don't improve after a few days.
Knowing the cause of your diarrhea helps your provider choose the right treatment. That's important because ongoing diarrhea can lead to serious health problems, including [dehydration](https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html) and [electrolyte imbalances](https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html).
See your provider right away if you have:
- Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dark urine (pee), fatigue, or [dizziness](https://medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html)
- Diarrhea for more than 2 days, or for more than 24 hours in a young child or infant
- A fever of 102 degrees or higher
- Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum
- Stool that is black and tarry or contains blood or pus
- In adults: frequent [vomiting](https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html) or diarrhea 6 or more times in 24 hours
## What happens during a white blood cell in stool test?
You will need to provide a stool sample for your test. Your provider will probably give you a container or kit with instructions on how to collect the sample. There are different ways to collect stool samples, so follow the instructions carefully. In general, you'll need to:
- Label the container with your name, the collection date, and time.
- Collect a stool sample as instructed. This usually involves using a clean, dry container, or special paper or plastic wrap placed over the toilet to catch the stool.
- Make sure the stool doesn't mix with any urine, toilet paper, or water from the toilet.
- Close the container tightly.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Return the container according to the instructions.
If you're collecting a sample from diapers, you'll get special instructions for using plastic wrap inside of a clean diaper. In certain cases, a provider may use a swab to take a stool sample from the rectum.
## Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Certain medicines and foods may affect the test results. Ask your provider if there are any specific things you need to avoid before the test.
## Are there any risks to the test?
There is no known risk to having a white blood cell in stool test.
## What do the results mean?
**A positive or abnormal test result** means that white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That means you have inflammation in your digestive tract. This information helps rule out conditions that *don't* cause inflammation, including [viral infections](https://medlineplus.gov/viralinfections.html), certain bacteria, and most parasites. Other tests can help find out what is causing your illness.
**A negative or normal test result** means that no white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That *may* mean that inflammation isn't causing your illness. But a normal test result can't rule out conditions that cause inflammation. That's because white blood cells don't last long in a stool sample.
If your stool sample contained a small number of cells that broke apart during testing, they may not show up. So, you could have inflammation in your digestive system even though your test didn't find any white blood cells in your stool.
Learn more about [laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/).
## Is there anything else I need to know about a white blood cell in stool test?
Instead of a white blood cell in stool test, your provider may order a more accurate test to check for inflammation in your digestive system. It's called a calprotectin fecal test. Calprotectin is a protein that certain white blood cells release in the intestine when there is inflammation.
## References
1. Akhondi H, Simonsen KA. Bacterial Diarrhea. \[Updated 2022 Aug 8;cited 2022 Dec 10\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551643/>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \[Internet\]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About C. diff; \[reviewed 2019 Nov 13; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.cdc.gov/c-diff/about/>
3. CHOC Children's \[Internet\]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-program>
4. CHOC Children's \[Internet\]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Stool Tests; \[cited 2022 Nov 23; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/digestive-disorder-diagnostics/stool-tests>
5. Guandalini S. Diarrhea Workup. \[updated 2020 Jan 31; cited 2022 Dec 10\].In: Medscape Drugs & Diseases: Pediatrics: General Medicine \[Internet\]. Atlanta (GA): WebMD LLC; c1994-2022. Available from: <https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-workup>
6. Labcorp \[Internet\]. Burlington (NC): Laboratory Corporation of America(r) Holdings; c2022. White Blood Cells (WBC), Stool; \[cited 2022 Dec 10\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.labcorp.com/tests/008656/white-blood-cells-wbc-stool>
7. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. C. difficile infection: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691>
8. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Dehydration: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 7 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086>
9. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Food poisoning: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230>
10. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315>
11. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Salmonella infection: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 9 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329>
12. Mayo Clinic: Mayo Medical Laboratories \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1995-2022. Test ID: LEU: Fecal Leukocytes: Clinical and Interpretative; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/api/sitecore/TestCatalog/DownloadTestCatalog?testId=8046>
13. Merck Manual Consumer Version \[Internet\]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2022. Diarrhea in Adults; \[reviewed 2022 Jan; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/diarrhea-in-adults>
14. Meisenheimer ES MD, MBA, Epstein C DO, Thiel D MD, MPH. Acute Diarrhea in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Jul \[cited 2022 Dec 10\];106(1):72-80. PMID: 35839362. Available from: <https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html>
15. National Cancer Institute \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukocyte; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/leukocyte>
16. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Diagnosis of Diarrhea; \[reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 4 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/diagnosis>
17. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Foodborne Illnesses; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/foodborne-illnesses>
18. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Treatment for Diarrhea; \[reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 4 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment>
19. Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, Tarr PI, Steiner TS, Kotloff K, Langley JM, Wanke C, Warren CA, Cheng AC, Cantey J, Pickering LK. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Nov 29 \[cited 2022 Dec 10\];65(12):e45-e80. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix669. PMID: 29053792; PMCID: PMC5850553. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5850553/>
20. Testing.com \[Internet\]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Fecal Calprotectin test; \[modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Dec 10\]; \[about 10 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.testing.com/tests/calprotectin/>
21. Testing.com \[Internet\]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Clostridium difficile and C. diff Toxin Testing; \[modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.testing.com/tests/clostridium-difficile-and-c-diff-toxin-test/>
22. UF Health: University of Florida Health \[Internet\]. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Health; c2022. Shigellosis: Overview; \[reviewed 2020 Mar 4; ; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://ufhealth.org/shigellosis>
23. University of Rochester Medical Center \[Internet\]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2022. Health Encyclopedia: White Blood Cell (Stool); \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=stool_wbc>
## Related Health Topics
- [Bacterial Infections](https://medlineplus.gov/bacterialinfections.html)
- [Bowel Movement](https://medlineplus.gov/bowelmovement.html)
- [C. diff Infections](https://medlineplus.gov/cdiffinfections.html)
- [Campylobacter Infections](https://medlineplus.gov/campylobacterinfections.html)
- [Crohn's Disease](https://medlineplus.gov/crohnsdisease.html)
- [Diarrhea](https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html)
- [Digestive Diseases](https://medlineplus.gov/digestivediseases.html)
- [Foodborne Illness](https://medlineplus.gov/foodborneillness.html)
- [Salmonella Infections](https://medlineplus.gov/salmonellainfections.html)
- [Ulcerative Colitis](https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html)
## Related Medical Tests
- [Bacteria Culture Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/bacteria-culture-test/)
- [C. diff Testing](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/c-diff-testing/)
- [Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT)](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fecal-occult-blood-test-fobt/)
- [Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) Tests](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/helicobacter-pylori-h-pylori-tests/)
- [How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-cope-with-medical-test-anxiety/)
- [How to Understand Your Lab Results](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/)
- [Ova and Parasite Test](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/ova-and-parasite-test/)
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| Readable Markdown | ## What is a white blood cell (WBC) in stool test?
This test looks for white blood cells in a sample of your [stool](https://medlineplus.gov/bowelmovement.html) (poop). White blood cells are also called leukocytes, so this test is sometimes called a leukocytes in stool test.
White blood cells are part of your [immune system](https://medlineplus.gov/immunesystemanddisorders.html). They help your body fight off infections and other diseases. White blood cells in your stool are usually a sign that you have an infection or other condition in your [digestive system](https://medlineplus.gov/digestivediseases.html) that's causing inflammation.
A white blood cell in stool test is used if you have [diarrhea](https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html) that could be caused by inflammation. Diarrhea from inflammation is severe and lasts for more than a couple days. It can include [blood in stool](https://medlineplus.gov/gastrointestinalbleeding.html), [abdominal (belly) pain](https://medlineplus.gov/abdominalpain.html), and [fever](https://medlineplus.gov/fever.html). It may be caused by:
- **Certain [bacterial infections](https://medlineplus.gov/bacterialinfections.html)**, such as:
- ***[Clostridium difficile (C. diff)](https://medlineplus.gov/cdiffinfections.html)***. This infection mostly happens after taking [antibiotics](https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html) that kill the "good germs" that keep *C. diff* bacteria from growing in your body.
- **Some types of bacteria that cause "[food poisoning](https://medlineplus.gov/foodborneillness.html),"** including:
- *[Salmonella](https://medlineplus.gov/salmonellainfections.html)*. Most infections come from contaminated food, but you can get salmonella from infected animals, especially reptiles and birds.
- *Shigella*. Infection with *shigella* is called shigellosis. You can get it from food and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.
- *[Campylobacter](https://medlineplus.gov/campylobacterinfections.html)*. Infection can happen from food and contact with dog and cat feces (poop).
- **Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)**, which includes:
- [Ulcerative colitis](https://medlineplus.gov/ulcerativecolitis.html)
- [Crohn's disease](https://medlineplus.gov/crohnsdisease.html)
- **[A parasite](https://medlineplus.gov/parasiticdiseases.html)** *(Entamoeba histolytica)* which causes a disease called "amebiasis." Amebiasis is most common in tropical places with poor sanitary conditions.
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the exact condition that's causing diarrhea. But it can help narrow down the possible causes to conditions that either do or don't involve inflammation.
Other names: leukocytes in stool, stool WBC, fecal WBC, fecal leukocyte test, FLT, FGST, fecal leukoctye gram stain screen
## What is it used for?
A white blood cell in stool test is used to find out whether diarrhea is caused by conditions that involve inflammation in the digestive system.
It's mainly used for people who have diarrhea symptoms that suggest inflammation. These symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea three or more times a day that doesn't get better after several days
- Abdominal (belly) cramps and/or pain
- Blood and/or mucus in stool
- Fever
- [Fatigue](https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html)
- Weight loss
A white blood cell in stool test can't diagnose the condition that's causing diarrhea, so it's often used with other tests.
## Why do I need a white blood cell in stool test?
Most diarrhea goes away on its own after a day or two, and your health care provider doesn't need to find the cause. But you may need a white blood cell in stool test and other tests if you have symptoms of diarrhea from inflammation that don't improve after a few days.
Knowing the cause of your diarrhea helps your provider choose the right treatment. That's important because ongoing diarrhea can lead to serious health problems, including [dehydration](https://medlineplus.gov/dehydration.html) and [electrolyte imbalances](https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html).
See your provider right away if you have:
- Signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dark urine (pee), fatigue, or [dizziness](https://medlineplus.gov/dizzinessandvertigo.html)
- Diarrhea for more than 2 days, or for more than 24 hours in a young child or infant
- A fever of 102 degrees or higher
- Severe pain in the abdomen (belly) or rectum
- Stool that is black and tarry or contains blood or pus
- In adults: frequent [vomiting](https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html) or diarrhea 6 or more times in 24 hours
## What happens during a white blood cell in stool test?
You will need to provide a stool sample for your test. Your provider will probably give you a container or kit with instructions on how to collect the sample. There are different ways to collect stool samples, so follow the instructions carefully. In general, you'll need to:
- Label the container with your name, the collection date, and time.
- Collect a stool sample as instructed. This usually involves using a clean, dry container, or special paper or plastic wrap placed over the toilet to catch the stool.
- Make sure the stool doesn't mix with any urine, toilet paper, or water from the toilet.
- Close the container tightly.
- Wash your hands well with soap and water.
- Return the container according to the instructions.
If you're collecting a sample from diapers, you'll get special instructions for using plastic wrap inside of a clean diaper. In certain cases, a provider may use a swab to take a stool sample from the rectum.
## Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
Certain medicines and foods may affect the test results. Ask your provider if there are any specific things you need to avoid before the test.
## Are there any risks to the test?
There is no known risk to having a white blood cell in stool test.
## What do the results mean?
**A positive or abnormal test result** means that white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That means you have inflammation in your digestive tract. This information helps rule out conditions that *don't* cause inflammation, including [viral infections](https://medlineplus.gov/viralinfections.html), certain bacteria, and most parasites. Other tests can help find out what is causing your illness.
**A negative or normal test result** means that no white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That *may* mean that inflammation isn't causing your illness. But a normal test result can't rule out conditions that cause inflammation. That's because white blood cells don't last long in a stool sample.
If your stool sample contained a small number of cells that broke apart during testing, they may not show up. So, you could have inflammation in your digestive system even though your test didn't find any white blood cells in your stool.
Learn more about [laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/).
## Is there anything else I need to know about a white blood cell in stool test?
Instead of a white blood cell in stool test, your provider may order a more accurate test to check for inflammation in your digestive system. It's called a calprotectin fecal test. Calprotectin is a protein that certain white blood cells release in the intestine when there is inflammation.
## References
1. Akhondi H, Simonsen KA. Bacterial Diarrhea. \[Updated 2022 Aug 8;cited 2022 Dec 10\]. In: StatPearls \[Internet\]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551643/>
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention \[Internet\]. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; About C. diff; \[reviewed 2019 Nov 13; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.cdc.gov/c-diff/about/>
3. CHOC Children's \[Internet\]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Program; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-program>
4. CHOC Children's \[Internet\]. Orange (CA): CHOC Children's; c2022. Stool Tests; \[cited 2022 Nov 23; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.choc.org/programs-services/gastroenterology/digestive-disorder-diagnostics/stool-tests>
5. Guandalini S. Diarrhea Workup. \[updated 2020 Jan 31; cited 2022 Dec 10\].In: Medscape Drugs & Diseases: Pediatrics: General Medicine \[Internet\]. Atlanta (GA): WebMD LLC; c1994-2022. Available from: <https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/928598-workup>
6. Labcorp \[Internet\]. Burlington (NC): Laboratory Corporation of America(r) Holdings; c2022. White Blood Cells (WBC), Stool; \[cited 2022 Dec 10\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.labcorp.com/tests/008656/white-blood-cells-wbc-stool>
7. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. C. difficile infection: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/c-difficile/symptoms-causes/syc-20351691>
8. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Dehydration: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 7 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086>
9. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Food poisoning: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230>
10. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315>
11. Mayo Clinic \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2022. Salmonella infection: Symptoms and causes; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 9 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329>
12. Mayo Clinic: Mayo Medical Laboratories \[Internet\]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1995-2022. Test ID: LEU: Fecal Leukocytes: Clinical and Interpretative; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/api/sitecore/TestCatalog/DownloadTestCatalog?testId=8046>
13. Merck Manual Consumer Version \[Internet\]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2022. Diarrhea in Adults; \[reviewed 2022 Jan; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/digestive-disorders/symptoms-of-digestive-disorders/diarrhea-in-adults>
14. Meisenheimer ES MD, MBA, Epstein C DO, Thiel D MD, MPH. Acute Diarrhea in Adults. Am Fam Physician. 2022 Jul \[cited 2022 Dec 10\];106(1):72-80. PMID: 35839362. Available from: <https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2022/0700/acute-diarrhea.html>
15. National Cancer Institute \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: leukocyte; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/leukocyte>
16. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Diagnosis of Diarrhea; \[reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 4 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/diagnosis>
17. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Foodborne Illnesses; \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 3 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/foodborne-illnesses>
18. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases \[Internet\]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Treatment for Diarrhea; \[reviewed 2016 Nov; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 4 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/diarrhea/treatment>
19. Shane AL, Mody RK, Crump JA, Tarr PI, Steiner TS, Kotloff K, Langley JM, Wanke C, Warren CA, Cheng AC, Cantey J, Pickering LK. 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diarrhea. Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Nov 29 \[cited 2022 Dec 10\];65(12):e45-e80. doi: 10.1093/cid/cix669. PMID: 29053792; PMCID: PMC5850553. Available from: <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5850553/>
20. Testing.com \[Internet\]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Fecal Calprotectin test; \[modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Dec 10\]; \[about 10 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.testing.com/tests/calprotectin/>
21. Testing.com \[Internet\]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2022. Clostridium difficile and C. diff Toxin Testing; \[modified 2021 Nov 9; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 8 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.testing.com/tests/clostridium-difficile-and-c-diff-toxin-test/>
22. UF Health: University of Florida Health \[Internet\]. Gainesville (FL): University of Florida Health; c2022. Shigellosis: Overview; \[reviewed 2020 Mar 4; ; cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://ufhealth.org/shigellosis>
23. University of Rochester Medical Center \[Internet\]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2022. Health Encyclopedia: White Blood Cell (Stool); \[cited 2022 Nov 23\]; \[about 2 screens\]. Available from: <https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=stool_wbc> |
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