A stool sample is the only way they can accuratley determine whether your child has gastro or rota virus. DD presented to the emergency department being a cat 3 , she was lifeless dropped from 9 kilos to 5 in 2 days and was unresponsive. This was just the vomiting side of rotavirus. DD was unable to re-hydriate so consequently without being NGT'd or IV's she would of been in alot of trouble. Any child that can not tolerate fluids over a period of time is at risk