What is Culture-Stool?
The Culture-Stool test is a laboratory experiment performed to identify bacterial invasions in the digestive tract. It is used to identify bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens that may cause illness and result in digestive problems, diarrhea, or other gastrointestinal symptoms. It is useful in identifying infections such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Clostridium difficile.
Stool culture is used to determine the cause of chronic gastrointestinal problems and, therefore, forms the basis of management of the condition. It is usually advised for patients who have symptoms of diarrhea for more than 7 days, abdominal pain or any other symptoms suggestible of having been caused by a food intolerance.
How is the Test Performed?
The Culture-Stool test is a straightforward test involving a simple blood draw.
Preparation
- Do not use antibiotics, antidiarrheal drugs or probiotics for 48–72 hours before the test, unless told to by your doctor.
- Tell the doctor about all the medicines and dietary supplements that you are taking that may affect the test outcome.
- Continue on your regular diet unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Make sure that the stool sample does not come into contact with urine or toilet water.
Collection
- The sample is collected in a sterile container and then delivered to the laboratory at the earliest or stored in a refrigerator or an icebox,
- if immediate delivery is not possible.
Lab Analysis
- The sample is placed on a culture media to allow the growth of microorganisms while being in an incubator for 24-48 hours.
- The growth is then observed for the identification of the bacteria.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
Your health care provider may order a Culture-Stool test if you have signs of a gastrointestinal infection. The symptoms may include:
General Symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
A normal stool culture should not have any pathogens’ growth. The presence of such health-promoting bacteria as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria in the intestine is quite normal and even beneficial.
Normal – No significant bacterial growth
Abnormal – Presence of Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Parasites
**The ranges may vary depending on the assay of the test. Always consult your healthcare provider for accurate results.**
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
If the Culture-Stool test is positive for pathogens, other tests may be needed, and treatment may be required. According to the results, your healthcare provider may suggest:
- Antibiotic therapy is suggested whereas if Shigella, Salmonella, and other pathogens are detected targeted antibiotic therapy is required.
- Keeping the patient hydration
- Management of symptoms is crucial for an effective management
- Probiotics are needed to restore normal gut flora
- Further testing is suggested to identify the specific parasitic type.
