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Fecal Culture
Synonyms
Culture Stool Comprehensive, Enteric Pathogens Culture Routine, Feces Culture Routine, Routine Culture Stool, Fecal Culture, Stool Culture Test
Purpose
The Fecal Culture Test is a diagnostic procedure that detects and identifies harmful bacteria in stool samples, such as Salmonella, Shigella, and certain strains of E. coli.
The test plays a critical role in identifying the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration, especially when doctors suspect a foodborne illness or infection. This test is important not only for diagnosing infections but also for guiding appropriate antibiotic treatment and preventing the spread of contagious pathogens.
Other laboratory tests that can be performed alongside it include ova and parasite examination, Clostridium difficile toxin testing, and stool occult blood tests for a more comprehensive evaluation of gastrointestinal health.
Patient Preparation
No special preparations are required.
Samples for a Fecal Culture
1g/1 ml stool or rectal swab collected in a stool culture transport vial. Culture collection swab placed in a vial. To increase the chances of isolating a bacterial pathogen, collect two or three stool samples on different days. Preservatives should be present in the container.
Transport the specimen to the laboratory immediately. If you delay transport by more than 2 hours, use transport media such as Cary-Blair. Store the specimen at room temperature.
Reference Range
Negative for enteric pathogens.
Results Turnaround
3 – 5 days after receipt of samples.
Diseases / Diagnostic Indicators of Enteric Pathogens
The Fecal Culture Test helps identify harmful bacteria that cause intestinal infections. If the test detects organisms such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or Yersinia, it may indicate a bacterial infection responsible for symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
These infections can result from contaminated food or water and may range from mild to severe. A positive result confirms the presence of an infection and helps guide treatment.
A negative result means that no harmful bacteria were found in the stool, suggesting another cause for the gastrointestinal symptoms. For more on fecal testing, read this study.