Stool Culture
SC
Description
"Stool Culture" test detects harmful bacteria in your digestive system by analyzing a stool sample. Doctors often order it when symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or abdominal pain suggest food poisoning or bacterial gastroenteritis. The sample is examined for pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Shigella, or Campylobacter. If positive, results help confirm the cause and guide antibiotic treatment. This test supports prompt diagnosis, prevents complications, and is especially useful when symptoms follow travel or contaminated food exposure.
Category
Microbes
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Stool
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Grow
Test Group
Microbial Assessment Group, Infection Group
Test Group Description
Microbial Assessment Group: Tests in this group analyze microbial presence and activity in various samples, offering insights into microbial populations and their impact on health. They help identify specific microorganisms, assess microbial diversity, and evaluate microbial functions in different environments. Infection Group: Tests within this group detect markers indicative of various infections, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea
Bacillus cereus infection
Campylobacter infection
Celiac disease (Autoimmune reaction to gluten affecting the small intestine)
Clostridium difficile infection
Crohn's disease (Chronic inflammatory bowel disease)
Eosinophilic gastrointestinal d...
Key Reasons For Testing
Infectious Disease Diagnosis: Identifies gastrointestinal pathogens causing conditions like bacterial gastroenteritis or salmonellosis.
Diarrhea Assessment: Determines the cause of acute or persistent diarrhea, identifying bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
Foodborne Illness Investigation: Detects foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella or E. coli in suspected food poisoning cases.
Healthcare-Associated Infections: Screens for pathogens like Clostridium difficile, aiding in infection control and treatment.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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