Health Encyclopedia

Fecal culture

Definition

A fecal culture is a laboratory test to find organisms in the stool (feces) that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.

Alternative Names

Stool culture; Culture - stool

How the test is performed

There are many ways to collect the samples. One way is to catch the stool on plastic wrap that is loosely placed over the toilet bowl and held in place by the toilet seat. Then, put the sample in a clean container. One test kit supplies a special toilet tissue that you use to collect the sample, then put the sample in a clean container.

For infants and young children in diapers, line the diaper with plastic wrap. Try to place the plastic wrap in a way that separates the stool from urine, so you can get a better sample.

In the laboratory, a technician places a sample of the specimen in culture media to encourage the growth of microorganisms. The culture is watched for growth. If there is growth, the organisms are identified. The lab technician may also do further tests to determine how the organism will respond to treatment.

How to prepare for the test

You will get a collection container for the stool specimen. Return the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible. Do not include toilet paper or urine in the specimen.

How the test will feel

There is no discomfort.

Why the test is performed

The test is performed when you have gastrointestinal distress and your doctor suspects that an infection is the cause. It may be performed if you have severe, persistent, or recurrent diarrhea without a known cause.

It may also be done if you've been taking antibiotics for a long period of time, to see if bacteria such as C. difficile (which can cause diarrhea after people take antibiotics) are now in the intestine.

Normal Values

Normal fecal organisms are present.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results may indicate an intestinal infection.

What the risks are

There are no risks.

Special considerations

Often other stool tests are done in addition to the culture, such as:

Review Date:11/12/2007
Reviewed By:Arnold L. Lentnek, M.D., Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital, Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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