To determine whether you have an infection of your digestive tract due to disease-causing pathogenic bacteria parasites or viruses Specimen:A fresh stool sample collected in a clean container the stool sample should not be contaminated with urine or water once it has been collected the stool should either be taken to the laboratory within two hours after collection or transferred into special transport vials containing preservative solutions When To Get Tested: When you have signs and symptoms such as diarrhea abdominal cramps nausea and or vomiting when you have blood or mucus in your loose stools Test Preparation:None Normal Test Result: A blood sugar level less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal