Cytokeratin Cells in Stool (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of certain proteins called cytokeratins in your stool. Cytokeratins are found in cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and may appear in stool if there is abnormal cell shedding, often linked to gastrointestinal conditions or cancers.
["This test helps identify potential gastrointestinal issues by detecting abnormal cell shedding."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 50788-9
- Short code
- Cytokeratin cells NFr Bld
- Synonyms
- Cytokeratin cells NFr Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that could involve abnormal cell shedding in the gastrointestinal tract. It may also be used as part of a screening or monitoring plan for certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your stool is collected and examined under a microscope. The test looks for specific proteins (cytokeratins) that are shed from cells in the gastrointestinal lining. If these proteins are present in higher-than-normal amounts, it may indicate abnormal cell activity.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll need to collect a stool sample at home using a provided kit, following the instructions carefully. Bring the sample to your lab or clinic on the same day. Avoid using certain medications or foods that could interfere with the test results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider. You may be asked to avoid certain foods, supplements, or medications for a short time before testing to ensure accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results for cytokeratin in stool can suggest conditions such as gastrointestinal cancers (e.g., colorectal cancer), inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. However, false positives can occur, so further testing may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. Negative results do not definitively rule out these conditions, so ongoing monitoring or additional tests may still be recommended.
Short name
Stool Cytokeratin Test
Frequently asked questions
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
How Often Should This Test Be Done?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy