💩 Bristol Stool Form Scale
UseAssess constipation and diarrhoea by transit time.
SourceLewis SJ, Heaton KW. Scand J Gastroenterol 1997
This-shift next steps
After scoring: open the scene pack, peer scores, and the matching pathway. Local reference — no HIS write.
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Methodology · worked example, guidelines & full notes
A simple, validated visual scale.
When to use
Assess constipation and diarrhoea by transit time.
How it works
Types 1–7; 1–2 constipation, 3–4 normal, 5–7 looser/faster transit.
Key points
- A simple, validated visual scale.
- Useful for monitoring bowel habit and treatment.
- Types 3–4 are considered ideal.
References
Worked calculation
The values below come from this tool's own example placeholders and are computed server-side with the formula shown on this page, so the arithmetic can be checked quickly. It demonstrates how to substitute values only — it is not clinical advice and not a real case.
| Stool type | 4 — Smooth, soft sausage |
|---|
→Bristol type4
- Interpretation:Normal
| Stool type | 1 — Separate hard lumps |
|---|
→Bristol type1
- Interpretation:Constipation (slow transit)
Verification & sources · governance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
- What are the limits and cautions when using Bristol Stool Form Scale?
- For licensed clinicians and clinical researchers. Interpret results with history, investigations and local protocols; not a diagnosis or prescription, and not a substitute for multidisciplinary decision-making or local guidelines.
- Does Bristol Stool Form Scale upload patient data? Where is it calculated?
- Calculation runs locally in the browser; inputs and results are not uploaded. For licensed clinicians only; interpret with history, investigations and local protocols — not a diagnosis or prescription.
- How is Bristol Stool Form Scale calculated in practice? Can you show a worked example?
- Inputs: Stool type 4 — Smooth, soft sausage → Result: Bristol type 4(Interpretation: Normal) Inputs: Stool type 1 — Separate hard lumps → Result: Bristol type 1(Interpretation: Constipation (slow transit))