Stool samples can help doctors diagnose some health conditions. Tips for collecting a stool sample include urinating before collecting the sample and using any tools that the sample kit provides.

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." In addition to being able to describe your stool to a doctor, it's helpful to have a general idea of the ...

Healthcare professionals consider a healthy pancreatic elastase level above 200 micrograms per gram (mcg/g). Pancreatic elastase is the digestive enzyme that the pancreas produces to help digest food.

It's not unusual to take a peek in the toilet after you've gone number two—in fact, doctors encourage it. “Your bowel movements are the only real marker you have about what your GI health is like,” ...