Stool Culture/Sensitivity

Also known as: Bacterial Culture, stool; Feces Culture
Formal name: Enteric Pathogens Culture, stool
Related tests: O&P, Clostridium difficile toxin, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Widal Test

Why should I do it?
To determine whether you have an infection of your digestive tract due to the presence of disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria

When should I do it?
When you have diarrhea, abdominal cramps, with or without fever, lasting more than a few days

What Kind of Sample is Needed?
A fresh stool sample or one that has been placed in a transport medium (a collection vial containing a preservative)

Test Preparation Needed?
None