What does it mean when the routine stool test shows 0-3 white blood cells?
The term "0 to 3 white blood cells per HPF in routine stool examination" refers to the concentration of white blood cells in the stool. The detailed analysis is as follows:
Routine stool examination for white blood cells helps assess gastrointestinal digestive and absorptive function, and detect whether there is inflammation caused by bacterial infection. A result of 0 to 3 white blood cells per HPF indicates the normal range of white blood cells in stool. If the test result exceeds this range, it may suggest inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract such as allergic colitis, colitis, or bacterial dysentery. When performing a routine stool test for white blood cells, it is important to collect a fresh stool sample to prevent decreased white blood cell activity due to prolonged storage, which could affect the accuracy of results. Proper precautions should also be taken during sample transportation.
It is recommended that individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, rectal bleeding, or abdominal distension seek evaluation at a qualified medical facility and undergo a routine stool white blood cell test to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.