Providing stool samples can be a bit unpleasant – but a lot of important information can be gained from stool samples.  Your poop can be tested for markers of inflammation (elevated in IBD), levels of pancreatic enzymes (low in pancreatic exocrine insufficiency), the presence of bacteria and other parasites, and the presence of small traces of blood (sometimes elevated with large polyps and bowel cancer).  You will not be expected to provide a sample there and then in the clinic – you would normally be given a pot for the sample in the clinic and you will bring it back to the clinic a few days later.