What is a coprogram?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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A coprogram is an analysis of human feces. A coprogram is used so that the diagnosis of diseases associated with constipation can be as accurate as possible. By fecal masses, it is possible to determine the condition and operation of the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Why do feces analysis?
Laboratory examination of fecal masses will help to clearly determine how the intestine works. What are fecal masses or feces? They consist of food debris that may not be sufficiently absorbed or digested, juices of the digestive tract may not be used, intestinal epithelial cells, as well as microbial bodies may also be detected in the feces. The presence of water in the feces may mean how much it is absorbed or not absorbed when digesting food. Fecal masses are in the colon. This is the lower segment of the gastrointestinal tract, which requires detailed and thorough study.
What does the coprogram give?
The coprogram is translated from Latin as stool - copras. This includes a comprehensive study and diagnosis of the state of faeces. When the intestine is changed, it has pathological changes, it necessarily affects the condition of the feces. Its shape, color, texture, smell, color, volume change. In the feces may also be found residues of pus, blood, food, mucus. They can be seen without a microscope, with the naked eye. For these residues, doctors can determine the state of the intestines.
Chemical analysis of feces
What cannot be visually assessed by doctors can be determined with the help of chemical agents, special reagents. This makes it possible to find the simplest parasites in the feces, as well as the eggs of the worms and the worms themselves. When the composition of feces deviates from the norm, something needs to be done with this - namely, to treat the gastrointestinal tract.
Bacteriological analysis of feces
To find out the composition of the bacterial microflora of fecal masses, it is necessary to conduct its bacteriological analysis. This will provide an opportunity to identify pathogenic microbes and intestinal conditions such as dysbacteriosis.
The nature of feces
By the nature of the feces can determine whether a person has constipation. The condition of constipation is characterized by a hard and dry texture of feces. This means that the intestines are weak and cannot cope with their roles properly. Then it will also be found undigested food residues and dietary fiber.
Analysis of fecal occult blood
One of the most common stool tests may be stool test for occult blood. It can be used to diagnose many diseases that cause hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract system, including colorectal or gastric cancer.
Fecal pH test can be used to determine lactose intolerance or the presence of infections. There is a text on fecal fat, which determines the ability of the intestine to absorb fat.
Fecal elastase (an enzyme that breaks down peptides) at all levels becomes the basis for the diagnosis of pancreatitis.
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Rectal examination
Rectal examination is an internal examination of the rectum by a doctor or other medical specialist. It is often carried out with constipation along with stool analysis.
Digital rectal examination (DRE) is a relatively simple procedure. The patient undresses and then positions him so that the anus is accessible to the doctor (lying on his side, squatting on the viewing table, tilted above the viewing table).
If the patient lies on his side, the doctor, as a rule, asks him to bend one or both legs to the chest. If the patient leans over the operating table, the doctor will ask him to put his elbows on the table. If the patient is in a recumbent position, the doctor will ask the patient face down and the buttocks will be up.
The doctor spreads the buttocks to the sides and, as a rule, will be able to assess the external areas of the anus in this position, whether there are any abnormalities, such as hemorrhoids, lumps of feces or a rash. After the patient relaxes, the doctor slips his finger in the glove and lubricant into the rectum through the anus and palpates the insides for about sixty seconds.
This study can be used:
- for the diagnosis of rectal tumors and other forms of cancer;
- to diagnose the prostate gland and its disorders, in particular, tumors and benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- for the diagnosis of appendicitis or other examples of the so-called acute abdomen (i.e. Symptoms of acute abdominal pain indicating serious diseases);
- to assess the tone in the anal sphincter, which may be useful in case of fecal incontinence or neurological diseases, including traumatic injuries of the spinal cord;
- for women with gynecological diseases to check the hardness and color of feces (i.e., in cases where a person is worried about constipation and fecal compression);
- for colonoscopy
- for assessing hemorrhoidal changes
- in newborns to eliminate the fouling of the anus
This diagnosis is often combined with fecal occult blood analysis, which can be useful for detecting the etiology of anemia and / or confirming gastrointestinal bleeding.