Stool routine is a very common basic clinical test that includes the shape and color of the stool, white blood cells, red blood cells, parasites and occult blood. Under normal circumstances, the stool is yellow and soft, and is generally negative for white blood cells, red blood cells, parasites, and occult blood. Positive white blood cells indicate bacterial infection; positive occult blood or red blood cells are associated with dark or red colored stools, which are commonly associated with gastrointestinal bleeding; and if the stool is positive for parasites, it indicates a parasitic infection. In addition, if the stool routine reveals some bacterial or viral infections, a stool culture can be done to determine the next step of treatment.