What do the results mean?A negative result means no white blood cells (leukocytes) were found in the sample. If you or your child's results were negative, the symptoms are probably not caused by an infection.A positive result means white blood cells (leukocytes) were found in your stool sample. If you or your child's results show leukocytes in stool, it means there is some kind of inflammation in the digestive tract. The more leukocytes that are found, the higher the chance that you or your child has a bacterial infection.If your provider thinks you have an infection, he or she may order a stool culture. A stool culture can help find out which specific bacteria is causing your illness. If you are diagnosed with a bacterial infection, your provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat your condition.If your provider suspects C. diff, you may first be told to stop taking the antibiotics you are currently using. Your provider may then prescribe a different type of antibiotics, which target C diff bacteria. Your provider may also recommend a type of supplement called probiotics to help your condition. Probiotics are considered "good bacteria." They are helpful to your digestive system.If your provider thinks you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), he or she may order further tests to confirm a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with IBD, your provider may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes and/or medicines to help relieve your symptoms.Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
