Final answer:
The Stool O&P exam is the most common stool test for point-of-care diagnosis, aimed at detecting parasitic infections. Immunoassays and molecular techniques are also used for various pathogens, with treatment options varying depending on the diagnosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common point of care test on stool is the stool ova and parasite (O&P) exam. This test involves direct microscopic examination of a stool sample to detect the presence of parasites, which include cysts and trophozoites. Immunoassays for S. dysenteriae and other molecular techniques like Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing are also standard procedures used to diagnose various infections, including giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis. For conditions like colorectal cancer, DNA-based tests may be conducted on stool samples to detect cancer cells, often followed by a confirmatory colonoscopy if needed.
These diagnostic procedures are essential in clinical settings to confirm the presence of pathogens, identify possible causes of symptoms, and to decide the appropriate treatment. For example, severe cases of bacterial infections may require antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and azithromycin, though the growing issue of antibiotic resistance must be considered. In parasitic infections like giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis, medications such as metronidazole or tinidazole are the first line of treatment.