Bacteriastlcultorg2
A stool culture test that identifies specific bacteria in your feces to diagnose gastrointestinal infections.
{"This test detects harmful bacteria in your stool that may cause diarrhea, stomach pain, or other digestive symptoms","A fresh stool sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis","Results help doctors determine if an infection is present and guide appropriate antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17964-8
- Short code
- STOBC2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Stl Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof container with screw-cap lid (clean plastic cup) or commercially available stool culture transport system (e.g., Cary-Blair medium, Para-Pak or similar enteric transport vial)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 39579003
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams of stool (approximately walnut-sized portion), preferably from the first, second, or third evacuations of the day. For rectal swabs, use a sterile swab placed in Amies or Cary-Blair transport medium.
- Stability
- Unpreserved stool: process within 1-2 hours of collection at room temperature. In Cary-Blair or similar transport medium: stable for up to 24-48 hours at room temperature or refrigerated (2-8°C). Frozen specimens are unacceptable for routine bacterial culture.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bacteria # 2 Identified in Stool by Culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies specific disease-causing bacteria in your stool sample. The test involves placing a small sample of stool on special growth materials (culture media) that allow bacteria to multiply. Laboratory technicians then examine the grown bacteria under a microscope and perform additional tests to identify exactly what type of bacteria is present.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms such as persistent diarrhea (especially if it contains blood or mucus), stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or fever. These symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection of the digestive tract. Common bacteria that can be detected include Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, E. coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter. The test is particularly important for people who have traveled recently, have eaten potentially contaminated food or water, or have been exposed to someone with a similar illness.
How is the sample collected?
You will be given a sterile container for collecting your stool sample. It is important to collect a fresh sample (preferably within 30 minutes of having a bowel movement) and avoid mixing it with urine or water from the toilet. A small amount of stool (about the size of a walnut) is sufficient. If you are unable to provide a sample at the clinic or hospital, you may collect it at home and deliver it to the laboratory within 2 hours, keeping it at room temperature. Some patients may need to provide multiple samples taken on different days to increase the chance of detecting the bacteria.
What do the results mean?
A "negative" or "no growth" result means no disease-causing bacteria were found in your stool sample. This suggests your symptoms may be caused by a virus, parasite, or non-infectious cause. A "positive" result means specific bacteria were found and identified. Your doctor will use this information to determine if you need treatment, such as antibiotics, and to advise on measures to prevent spreading the infection to others. It is important to note that some people may carry certain bacteria without showing symptoms (called colonization), so your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your specific symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid antibiotics, antidiarrheal medications, bismuth-containing preparations, and barium studies for at least 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection unless otherwise directed by the physician. Collect sample before starting antibiotic therapy whenever possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before the test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is this test painful?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Can I take antibiotics before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy