White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool Test
This test checks for white blood cells in your stool. White blood cells in stool usually mean you have inflammation in your digestive system, often from an infection or inflammatory bowel disease.
What this test measures
This test looks for white blood cells (leukocytes) in a sample of your stool. White blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections. Finding them in stool suggests inflammation in your digestive tract.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
A positive or abnormal test result means white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That means you have inflammation in your digestive tract. This helps rule out conditions that don't cause inflammation, such as viral infections, certain bacteria, and most parasites.
Lower-than-normal results
A negative or normal test result means no white blood cells were found in your stool sample. That may mean inflammation isn't causing your illness. But a normal result cannot rule out inflammation because white blood cells don't last long in a stool sample.
Frequently asked questions
What does a white blood cell in stool test look for?
It looks for white blood cells (leukocytes) in a sample of your stool. White blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections.
Why is this test done?
It is used to find out whether diarrhea is caused by conditions that involve inflammation in the digestive system. It is mainly for people with symptoms like watery diarrhea, belly pain, blood or mucus in stool, fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
What does a positive result mean?
A positive result means white blood cells were found in your stool, indicating inflammation in your digestive tract. This helps rule out conditions that don't cause inflammation, such as viral infections.
Can a negative result rule out inflammation?
No. A negative result means no white blood cells were found, but it cannot rule out inflammation because white blood cells may break down quickly in a stool sample.
What conditions can cause white blood cells in stool?
Conditions include bacterial infections like C. diff, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter, as well as inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) and a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.