muestra de heces
/mwestɾa de eθes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "stool sample" is translated into Spanish as muestra de heces.
This phrase refers to a small amount of feces collected for medical testing. In a medical context, you may also encounter the term análisis de heces, which specifically refers to the stool analysis or the test itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of muestra (sample) and de heces (of feces).
Which one should you use?
In a medical context, you may also hear análisis de heces to refer to the stool test itself.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Muestra de heces is the formal way to say "stool sample" in Spanish. Conversely, muestra de caca is a highly informal way to say "poop sample" and should be avoided in a medical setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of Latin America, the phrase muestra de deposiciones is commonly used to refer to a stool sample.
How do you pronounce it?
/mwestɾa de eθes/
Did you know?
- In Spanish medical terminology, the word análisis is often used as a synecdoche to refer to the physical sample itself, not just the process of testing it.
- The word muestra is derived from the verb mostrar, which means 'to show'. In a medical context, the 'sample' is literally the piece of evidence being 'shown' to the doctor.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the term deposiciones is preferred over heces to sound more clinical and less graphic, as it refers to the act of 'depositing' waste.
Examples in context
- El médico solicitó una muestra de heces para el análisis de laboratorio.The doctor requested a stool sample for laboratory analysis.
- Mi hijo tiene dolor de estómago, así que necesitan una muestra de caca para el examen.My son has a stomach ache, so they need a stool sample for the examination.
- Necesito entregar una muestra de heces hoy.I need to hand in a stool sample today.
- El doctor pidió una muestra de heces.The doctor requested a stool sample.
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir un recipiente para la muestra de heces?Where can I get a container for the stool sample?
Example conversation
Elena is at a medical clinic asking the receptionist for instructions.
- ElenaHola, vengo por la muestra de heces que me pidieron.Hello, I'm here for the stool sample they requested of me.
- AlejandroClaro, Elena. Aquí tiene el kit para la muestra de heces.Of course, Elena. Here is the kit for the stool sample.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro. ¿Debo traerla de vuelta mañana?Thank you, Alejandro. Should I bring it back tomorrow?
- AlejandroSí, por favor, tráigala lo antes posible.Yes, please, bring it back as soon as possible.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, muestra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
