Bristol Stool Form Scale: Understanding Stool Consistency
Introduction
The Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) is a simple and effective way to measure the consistency of stools. It was developed by Dr. Ken Heaton and colleagues in 1997 and has become the most widely used stool form scale worldwide.How the BSFS Works
The BSFS consists of seven different stool types, ranging from Type 1 (hard, separate lumps like nuts) to Type 7 (watery, no solid pieces). The scale is based on the observation that the consistency of stools reflects the transit time of waste through the digestive tract. Hard stools indicate slow transit time, while watery stools indicate fast transit time.Using the BSFS
To use the BSFS, simply observe your stool and compare it to the chart below. Determine which type of stool most closely resembles your own, and then record the corresponding number.**Type 1:** Separate hard lumps, like nuts
**Type 2:** Sausage-shaped, but lumpy
**Type 3:** Sausage-shaped, with cracks on the surface
**Type 4:** Sausage-shaped or snake-like, smooth and soft
**Type 5:** Soft blobs with clear-cut edges
**Type 6:** Fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool
**Type 7:** Watery, no solid pieces
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