Bacteriastlcultorg3
A stool bacterial culture test detects and identifies harmful bacteria in your digestive tract to diagnose infections.
{"This test identifies disease-causing bacteria in stool samples","It helps diagnose bacterial gastrointestinal infections","Results typically take 2-5 days","The test is crucial for guiding appropriate antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17965-5
- Short code
- STOBC3
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Stl Cult org #3
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth container with leak-proof lid; Cary-Blair transport medium recommended for preservation; rectal swab acceptable alternative in appropriate transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87046
- SNOMED
- 117030005
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams of fresh stool (approximately walnut-sized) or 1-2 mL liquid stool; rectal swab with visible fecal material
- Stability
- Fresh stool: process within 2 hours at room temperature or 24 hours at 2-8°C. In Cary-Blair transport medium: stable up to 48-72 hours at room temperature or refrigerated
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A stool bacterial culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies specific bacteria in your stool sample. When you have symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever, this test helps determine if a bacterial infection is causing your illness. The laboratory places your stool sample on special growth media that allow bacteria to multiply, making them easier to identify under a microscope or through biochemical tests.
How is the test performed?
You will receive a sterile container for collecting a small amount of fresh stool. It is important to collect the sample before starting any antibiotics if possible. The sample should be delivered to the laboratory within a few hours, or stored in a refrigerator if there will be a delay. In the laboratory, technicians will culture the sample and identify any pathogenic bacteria present.
What do the results mean?
A normal result means no disease-causing bacteria were found in your stool. An abnormal result indicates the presence of specific bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or E. coli O157:H7, which can cause gastrointestinal infections. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Patient should collect stool sample before starting antibiotics if possible, as antibiotic therapy may suppress growth of pathogenic organisms. Avoid contamination with urine or toilet water.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Is the test painful?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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