Stool Culture Test

The Stool Culture Test is used to detect the presence of disease causing bacterial organisms including Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Shiga toxin (if detected, Escherichia coli O157, Culture will be performed) in the stool and aid in the diagnosis of Typhoid Fever, Enteric Fever, Bacillary Dysentery, and Salmonella infection. This test is most commonly used to aid in the diagnosis of digestive tract infection when someone is experiencing chronic diarrhea. If culture results warrant, additional susceptibility testing may be performed at no additional cost. Repeat testing on multiple specimens may be necessary for the most accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. If culture is “Isolated”, identification will be performed.

This lab test is typically ordered when a person is showing symptoms of a digestive tract infection, especially if they have recently ingested food or water which may have been contaminated, undercooked meat, raw eggs, or the same food as someone else who has become ill. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever.

A stool culture is often ordered with an Ova and Parasite Stool Test.

Turnaround time for this stool culture test is typically 3-4 business days.