Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Stool culture; Culture - stoolDefinition Return to top
A fecal culture is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms in the feces that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease. Normally, many organisms are present in the feces, but some can act as pathogens (disease-causing organisms).
Some bacteria cause symptoms because of the toxins they produce, while other cause symptoms by direct bacterial effects.How the test is performed Return to top
Adults and children:How to prepare for the test Return to top
A collection container will be provided for the stool specimen. Return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. The specimen should not include toilet tissue or urine.How the test will feel Return to top
There is no discomfort.Why the test is performed Return to top
The test is performed when gastrointestinal distress is present and an infection is suspected as a cause of the distress. It may be performed if severe, persistent, or recurrent diarrhea of unknown cause is present. It may also be performed when long-term antibiotic therapy has been used, to see if bacteria that don't usually live in the intestine such as C. difficile are now in the intestine.Normal Values Return to top
Normal fecal organisms are present.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Abnormal results may indicate an intestinal infection (such as bacterial or parasitic enterocolitis).What the risks are Return to top
There are no risks.Special considerations Return to top
Often other stool tests such as gram stain of stool, stool ova and parasites exam, and fecal smear are done in addition to the culture. Update Date: 1/26/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |