Diagnostic Tests for Hard stool

Diagnostic Test list for Hard stool:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Hard stool includes:

• Physical examination
  • Inspection of external anus looking for disease that may cause hrd stools - e.g. anal fissure; or pathology that may be a result of hard stools e.g. hemorrhoids, anal fissure.
  • Igital rectal examination - if there are symptoms of intestinal obstruction and the rectum is empty it may suggest complete intestinal obstruction but if there are some feces in the rectum there may be an incomplete intestinal obstruction; if rectal mass is found it suggests colon cancer.
  • Test perianal sensation and the anal reflex to support neurological cause of bowel infrequency
  • Bdominal examination for tenderness, mass, fecal loading, abdominal distention or irregular liver edge (due to metastases from colon cancer)
• Blood tests
  • Full blood count, electrolytes, thyroid function tests to rule out systemic causes of hard stool such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, hypercalcaemia, hyperparathyroidism
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen ( a tumor marker for bowel cancer)
  • Stool test for Occult blood
• Radiological investigations
  • Abdominal X-Ray if bowel infrequency is recent, to diagnose intestinal obstruction
• Proctosigmoidoscopy
• Barium Enema
• Colonoscopy
• Anorectal manometry and Proctography - will help diagnose anorectal sphincter dysfunction.
• Rectal biopsy - if suspect Hirschsprung's disease.

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Hard stool causes:

• Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Tests
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
• Food Allergies & Intolerances: Home Testing:
  • Home Food Allergy Tests
  • Home Food Intolerance Testing
  • Home Water Testing
  • Home Lead Poisoning Tests
  • Home Heavy Metal Poisoning Tests
• Digestive-Related Home Testing:
  • Home Stomach Ulcer Tests
  • Home Colorectal Cancer Test Kits
  • Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Test Kits

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