What is the Stool Culture? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!

What is a stool culture?

This test detects and identifies the bacteria that cause infection in the gastrointestinal tract. The stool culture test differentiates between the types of bacteria that cause disease and normally present bacteria in the digestive tract.

Also Read: ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Why is it done?

Different reasons might be recommended to have a stool test, such as:

• To find out the reason for an infection.
• To identify the causing microorganism.
• If you have inflammatory bowel disease.
• To find out if you are absorbing foods properly.
• If you might have bowel cancer.

What type of stool test can detect an infection?

1. Stool microscopy and culture: This test can identify the bacteria, parasites, or viruses that may cause an infection of gastroenteritis.
2. Clostridium difficile stool test: It is a type of bacteria that causes diarrhea after taking antibiotics. This bacteria is detected in a stool test.
3. Helicobacter pylori stool test: It is a bacteria that causes stomach ulcers and in advanced cases, it can cause stomach cancer.

Why do I need a stool culture test?

If you are experiencing any or all symptoms related to a bacterial, viral, or fungal in the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms are as follows:

• Severe diarrhoea
• Blood and mucous in the stool
• Stomach pain or cramping
• Nausea
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

What does identify in stool culture?

A stool culture test also helps in identifying the microorganisms causing the infection including E.coli, salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, etc.

What other tests might do along with this test?

The doctor also recommends other tests to find out the bacteria or viruses causing the infection. These are the following tests:

• Gram stain
• Other stool tests
• Blood culture
• Complete blood test, and serum electrolytes.

What do the results mean?

The test results may vary on your age, gender, health history, and other things. The results may vary on the lab used.

• Positive results: It indicates that bacteria, parasites, or other abnormal organisms were found in the stool culture. It may be causing infection.
• Negative results: It indicates that stool culture is normal. This means that there are no abnormal bacteria or any other organisms found in the stool and that you don’t have any infection.