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Test Code WBC Fecal White Blood Cell, Fecal

Additional Codes

Cerner NextGen
WBC Fecal WBC Fecal

 

Alternate Name(s)

Leukocytes in feces

Stool WBC

Useful For

White blood cells appear in fecal specimens from patients suffering from a variety of diseases, including parasitic infections and gastroenteritis. 

Methodology

Microscopy

Patient Preparation

Avoid use of Metamucil, castor oil or Pepto-Bismol during collection period.

Specimen Requirements

A small amount of feces is collected in a clean container, labeled with two patient identifiers, date and location, and submitted to the laboratory.

If there is to be a delay in testing the specimen may be refrigerated at 4° C. 

Testing should be completed within eight hours.

Result Reporting and Reference Values

White blood cells are not normally present in fecal specimens.

WBC's in feces is reported as: Neg, Few, Moderate or Many.

Limitations

Qualitative estimation only, based on random specimen.

Collection Instruction

Stool WBC Collection Instructions

General Instructions:

  • Do not let urine or toilet bowl water mix with stool when collection. Do not toilet tissue into collection containers.
  • When collecting a stool from a child you may place plastic wrap inside the diaper and then transfer the stool to the appropriate containers provided. Please do not bring a diaper with stool in it to the lab.
  • Collect one specimen per day unless otherwise instructed.

Collection:

  1. Use container provided by the laboratory for collecting the specimen. Plastic wrap may also be used to drape over the toilet bowl to collect the specimen. Do NOT use specimen if it has been contaminated with toilet water or urine.
  2. Using the tongue depressor provided by the laboratory, place the amount of stool equivalent to approximately the size of 5 dice in the container.
  3. Place lid on container securely. Label container if not already labeled. Place in labeled brown bag provided by the laboratory.