Stool Culture

Culture, Stool, Fecal Culture

Results

A stool culture is done to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that may be causing an infection. Stool culture test results usually take 2 to 3 days.

Stool culture

Normal:	No disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are present or grow in the culture.
Abnormal:	Bacteria (such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, certain types of Escherichia coli [E. coli], or Yersinia enterocolitica) grow in the culture. Fungi or parasites such as Giardia lamblia are found.

 

If bacteria are found in the culture, sensitivity testing may be done to help choose the best treatment.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
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