Fecal culture

How the Test is Performed:
Adults and children:
There are many ways to collect the samples. You can 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.

Infants and young children:
For children wearing diapers, you can line the diaper with plastic wrap. If the plastic wrap is positioned properly, isolating the stool from any urine output, mixing of urine and stool can be prevented for a better sample.

A sample of the specimen is placed in culture media to encourage the growth of microorganisms. The culture is observed for growth at regular intervals in the laboratory. When growth is observed, the organisms are identified. Further tests to determine sensitivity of the organisms to antimicrobial therapy may also be carried out.

How to Prepare:
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 it Feels:
There is no discomfort.

Risks:
There are no risks.

Why this Test is Performed:
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.

Normal Values:
Normal fecal organisms are present.

Abnormal Results:
Abnormal results may indicate a bacterial or parasitic enterocolitis ( intestinal infection ).

Cost:
The cost varies greatly depending on the test. Most tests are under $50, with the average costing about $20.

Special Considerations:
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.


The causative agent of typhoid fever is the bacterium Salmonella typhi. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



This picture shows the organism Yersinia enterocolitica. Yersinia organisms cause a wide range of disease but are most often associated with diarrhea or gastrointestinal symptoms. Yersinia infection is appearing with increased frequency in immunocompromised individuals. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



Campylobacter jejuni infection causes gastritis, gastric ulcers, and diarrhea. It is being recognized with increased frequency. This is what Campylobacter organisms look like through a microscope. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)



Clostridium difficile is a bacterium commonly found in the intestinal tract but which, under the right circumstances such as after or during antibiotics therapy, can be the cause of enterocolitis. (Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control.)