The Stool culture looks at bacteria causing diarrhoea (Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae). It is done for: bloody or severe diarrhoea, outbreaks.
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Bloody or severe diarrhoea, outbreaks.
Before antibiotics if possible. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Identifies the germ and antibiotic. Low or negative may mean: No pathogen grown. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
Bacteria causing diarrhoea (Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae).
Stool
Identifies the germ and antibiotic.
No pathogen grown.
Reference ranges vary by lab, age and sex — always use the range printed on your own report.
Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.
Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.
What does the Stool culture measure?
Bacteria causing diarrhoea (Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio cholerae).
Why is the Stool culture done?
Bloody or severe diarrhoea, outbreaks.
Do I need to fast for the Stool culture?
Before antibiotics if possible.
What does a high or positive Stool culture mean?
Identifies the germ and antibiotic.
What does a low or negative Stool culture mean?
No pathogen grown.
What is the normal range for the Stool culture?
Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report.
Why is Stool culture done?
Bloody or severe diarrhoea, outbreaks.
Do I need to prepare or fast for Stool culture?
Before antibiotics if possible. Laboratory-specific; see the reference range on your report. High or positive may mean: Identifies the germ and antibiotic. Low or negative may mean: No pathogen grown. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.
SI text CC BY 4.0; decoder reference data (cited per range); LOINC codes free with attribution (notice included).
Sources: SI health summary (own words); MedlinePlus Lab Tests and CDC as references