bristol_stool_scale: Bristol Stool Form Scale

In cliot: Clinical Indices and Outcomes Tools

Bristol Stool Form Scale

Description

Retrieves the description and clinical interpretation for the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). This diagnostic medical tool classifies the form of human faeces into seven categories, which correlate with colonic transit time.

Usage

bristol_stool_scale(stool_type)

Arguments

stool_type

Numeric (1-7). The integer corresponding to the visual appearance of the stool. 1: Separate hard lumps (nuts). 2: Sausage-shaped but lumpy. 3: Sausage-shaped with cracks. 4: Sausage/snake, smooth and soft. 5: Soft blobs with clear-cut edges. 6: Fluffy pieces with ragged edges. 7: Watery, no solid pieces.

Value

A list containing:

Type	The input type number.
Description	The textual description of the stool form.
Interpretation	Clinical classification (e.g., Constipation, Normal, Diarrhea).
Est_Transit_Time	General correlation with gut transit time.

References

Lewis SJ, Heaton KW. Stool form scale as a useful guide to intestinal transit time. Scand J Gastroenterol. 1997;32(9):920-924. doi:10.3109/00365529709011203

Examples

# Example 1: Normal Stool
bristol_stool_scale(4)

# Example 2: Severe Constipation
bristol_stool_scale(1)

# Example 3: Diarrhea
bristol_stool_scale(7)

cliot documentation built on Dec. 1, 2025, 1:06 a.m.