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🔬 Clinical Laboratory Guide

Lab Tests for Bali Belly:
What, Why & When

When diarrhea in Bali becomes severe, a simple IV drip is not enough. BGC's licensed doctors order targeted laboratory investigations to guide precise, evidence-based treatment — including when antibiotics are truly necessary.

2
Core Tests
24h
Fast Results
0
Extra Visit
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The Clinical Case

Why Blood & Stool Tests Change Everything

Most mild Bali belly responds well to IV rehydration and symptomatic medication alone. But in 15–20% of cases, the pathogen is invasive — meaning bacteria has breached the gut lining, causing systemic inflammation. In these cases, treating without a lab test risks under-treatment (bacteria persists) or over-treatment (unnecessary antibiotics causing resistance). A CBC and stool exam done on-site gives our doctor the evidence needed to prescribe precisely.
⚠️ When to order lab tests immediately
Fever ≥ 38.0°C · ≥ 6 episodes of diarrhea/24h · Blood or pus in stool · Duration ≥ 3 days without improvement · Severe abdominal pain · Signs of dehydration: turgor ↓, HR↑, dry mucosa
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Without Lab Test
Doctor treats empirically — may miss bacterial infection, may over-prescribe antibiotics, cannot differentiate viral from bacterial cause, no baseline for monitoring.
✅
With BGC Lab Test
Precise diagnosis in 24 hours. Doctor knows the exact pathogen category, WBC count, inflammatory burden, and whether antibiotics are indicated — backed by WHO 2023 guidelines.
Test 1 of 2

Complete Blood Count (CBC / Darah Rutin)

What Sample is Needed?
3–5 mL venous blood drawn from the antecubital fossa (inner elbow) — collected at the same time as IV cannula insertion. No additional needle stick. Takes under 2 minutes. Results available in 2–4 hours from partner lab.
What Does CBC Detect in Bali Belly?
WBC (Leukocyte)
Normal: 4,000–10,000/µL

Elevated WBC (>12,000): Bacterial infection. >15,000: Severe bacterial infection — antibiotic mandatory.
Low WBC (<4,000): Viral cause or overwhelming sepsis.
Neutrophil %
Normal: 50–70%

Neutrophilia (>75%): Active bacterial infection, "left shift" possible. Combined with high WBC = strong indication for Azithromycin.
Low neutrophil = viral aetiology.
Eosinophil %
Normal: 1–4%

Eosinophilia (>5%): Parasitic infection (Entamoeba, Giardia, helminths). Changes antibiotic choice from Azithromycin → Metronidazole.
Haemoglobin (Hb)
Normal: M 13–17 / F 12–16 g/dL

Low Hb in prolonged diarrhea may indicate blood loss from GI tract. Guides IV fluid type and urgency of referral to higher facility.
Platelets (PLT)
Normal: 150,000–400,000/µL

Critical in Bali context: Thrombocytopenia (PLT <100,000) in febrile patient → rule out Dengue Fever immediately. NS1 antigen test ordered.
CRP (if added)
Normal: <10 mg/L

CRP >50 mg/L: Significant systemic inflammation — supports antibiotic decision. CRP >100 mg/L: Consider referral if not improving in 24h.
🔬 BGC Clinical Decision Rule (Based on WHO 2023 + PAPDI 2022)
WBC >12,000 AND Neutrophil >75% → Azithromycin 500mg OD × 3 days
WBC normal + Eosinophilia → Metronidazole 500mg TID × 7 days (parasitic)
PLT <100,000 in febrile patient → Dengue panel immediately, no NSAIDs
WBC normal, no eosinophilia → No antibiotic, supportive therapy only
Test 2 of 2

Stool Examination (Feces Analysis)

What Sample is Needed?
Fresh stool sample (5–10 grams) collected by the patient in a sterile container provided by BGC. Sample must be sent to lab within 2 hours of collection. The doctor takes the sample to the lab as part of the Severe Belly Protocol — no extra trip for the patient.
What Does Stool Examination Detect?
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Macroscopic Examination
Colour: Brown (normal) · Yellow/green (rapid transit) · Black/tarry (upper GI bleed — refer) · Red (fresh blood — invasive bacteria)

Consistency: Watery/loose confirms diarrhea severity

Mucus: Presence suggests mucosal inflammation — bacterial or amoebic dysentery
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Microscopic Examination
Fecal WBC >10/HPF: Invasive bacterial infection — antibiotic mandatory (Shigella, EIEC, Campylobacter)

RBC in stool: Confirms bloody diarrhea

Trophozoites / Cysts: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Cryptosporidium → specific antiparasitic required
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Parasitology Panel
Entamoeba histolytica: Amoebic dysentery → Metronidazole + Diloxanide
Giardia lamblia: Fatty/frothy stool → Metronidazole or Tinidazole single dose
Cryptosporidium: Immunocompromised → Nitazoxanide
Helminth eggs: Mebendazole or Albendazole
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FOB (Occult Blood Test)
Detects hidden blood not visible to the naked eye. Positive FOB in traveler with diarrhea = high concern for invasive pathogen. Combined with clinical picture to guide antibiotic decision and need for referral.
✅ Why This Matters for BGC Patients
Stool exam identifies the exact organism causing Bali belly — enabling targeted therapy rather than broad-spectrum antibiotics. This reduces antibiotic resistance risk, achieves faster recovery, and prevents unnecessary drug side effects. Only BGC's Severe Belly Protocol includes this level of diagnostic workup delivered to your villa in Bali.
The Package That Includes It All

Severe Belly Protocol — Lab Included

BGC's Severe Belly Protocol is Bali's only mobile IV service that includes full CBC and stool examination — performed by a licensed doctor, results interpreted on-site, and treatment adjusted in real time.
🔴 Severe Belly Protocol
Rp 2.800.000
1000mL Ringer Lactate IV — aggressive rehydration
CBC Blood Test (venous sample) — WBC, differential, PLT, Hb
Stool Examination — macroscopic + microscopic + parasitology
Antiemetic IV — nausea and vomiting relief
Antispasmodic — cramp relief
Antibiotic (Azithromycin 500mg) — if CBC/stool indicates
PPI — gastric protection
Licensed MD consultation, vitals check, full monitoring
Official medical record on TMC Clinic Bali letterhead
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Common Questions

Lab Test FAQ

Do I need to go to a lab clinic for the tests? ›
No. BGC's doctor collects your blood sample during IV cannulation (no extra needle) and takes your stool sample to our partner lab. You remain at your villa or hotel throughout. Results are communicated to you by WhatsApp.
How long do results take? ›
CBC results are typically available in 2–4 hours. Stool microscopy takes 3–6 hours. Our doctor will contact you with results and next steps. If antibiotic is needed, it can be prescribed and delivered same-day.
Can lab results be included in my travel insurance claim? ›
Yes. BGC provides an official medical report on TMC Clinic Bali letterhead that includes lab results, diagnosis, and treatment. This document is accepted by major international travel insurers.
What if lab results show I don't need an antibiotic? ›
You are not charged separately for the antibiotic if it's not administered. The Severe Belly Protocol price covers the diagnostic workup, IV treatment, and consultation — regardless of whether antibiotics are indicated.
Can BGC test for Dengue as well? ›
Yes. If your CBC shows thrombocytopenia (low platelets) alongside fever, our doctor will arrange an NS1 Antigen + Dengue IgM/IgG panel as an add-on. Dengue is common in Bali and can initially mimic severe Bali belly.
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