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White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

White Blood Cell (WBC) in Stool

A white blood cell in stool test, also known as a leukocyte test, helps identify inflammation in the digestive system caused by infections or other conditions.

What is a white blood cell (WBC) in stool test?

This test looks for white blood cells, also called leukocytes, in a sample of your stool. White blood cells are part of your immune system and help fight infections. Their presence in stool is usually a sign of inflammation in the digestive system.

This test is used if you have severe diarrhea that lasts for more than a couple of days, which may be caused by:

  • Certain bacterial infections: Such as Clostridium difficile (C. diff), Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
  • A parasite: Such as Entamoeba histolytica, which causes amebiasis.

Why do I need a white blood cell in stool test?

You may need this test if you have diarrhea symptoms that suggest inflammation and do not improve after a few days. Symptoms include:

  • Watery diarrhea three or more times a day.
  • Abdominal cramps or pain.
  • Blood or mucus in the stool.
  • Fever, fatigue, or weight loss.

Knowing the cause helps your provider choose the right treatment and prevents complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

What happens during a white blood cell in stool test?

You will need to provide a stool sample using a container or kit provided by your health care provider. In general:

  • Label the container with your name, date, and time.
  • Collect the stool using a clean, dry container or special paper/plastic wrap over the toilet.
  • Ensure the stool does not mix with urine, toilet paper, or toilet water.
  • Close the container tightly and wash your hands thoroughly.

What do the results mean?

  • Positive or abnormal result: White blood cells were found, indicating inflammation in your digestive tract. This helps rule out conditions that do not cause inflammation.
  • Negative or normal result: No white blood cells were found. This may mean inflammation is not the cause, though it cannot definitively rule out inflammatory conditions because white blood cells do not last long in stool samples.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Your provider may order a more accurate test called a calprotectin fecal test, which checks for a protein released by white blood cells in the intestine during inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions

To get an accurate result, you must collect a fresh sample and deliver it to the lab within two hours, as white blood cells degrade rapidly outside the body. Avoid using toilet water, soap, or urine in the container, as these can dilute the sample or destroy the cells. If you are taking antibiotics, inform your provider, as they can alter the bacterial environment and potentially affect the inflammatory response measured by the test.
Dietary factors alone do not typically cause white blood cells to appear in stool, as WBCs are immune cells, not food particles. However, certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause gastrointestinal irritation or minor bleeding, which might trigger a mild inflammatory response. If you have recently started new medications or have a history of ulcers, mention this to your provider, as it helps distinguish between infection-driven inflammation and medication-induced irritation.
high count of white blood cells (leukocytes) without visible blood often indicates that the inflammation is localized in the colon or small intestine, where the immune response is active but hasn't yet caused significant tissue bleeding. This pattern is frequently seen in bacterial infections like Shigella or Campylobacter, or in early stages of inflammatory bowel disease. It confirms that your digestive tract is fighting an active inflammatory process, even if the damage isn't severe enough to produce gross blood.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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