Bacteriastlcultorg4
A laboratory test that detects and identifies harmful bacteria in your stool sample to diagnose gastrointestinal infections.
{"This test identifies disease-causing bacteria in your digestive system","A stool sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis","Results help doctors determine if you have a bacterial infection and guide appropriate treatment","Common pathogens detected include Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter","Your doctor will discuss treatment options if pathogenic bacteria are found"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17966-3
- Short code
- STBC4
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Stl Cult org #4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof plastic container with screw-cap lid; or specialized enteric pathogen transport system (e.g., Cary-Blair transport medium); para-Pak or equivalent stool culture 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
- 40698001
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams (approximately a walnut-sized portion) of fresh stool; rectal swab acceptable for infants or when stool cannot be obtained
- Stability
- Fresh stool: process within 1-2 hours of collection at room temperature. In Cary-Blair transport medium: stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 24-48 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours. Do not freeze. Specimens in buffered glycerol saline: stable refrigerated for up to 7 days.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A stool bacteria culture test is a laboratory procedure that identifies specific disease-causing bacteria in your stool. When you have symptoms like diarrhea, stomach pain, or fever, your doctor may order this test to determine if a bacterial infection is causing your illness. The test involves collecting a small sample of your stool and placing it in special containers that allow bacteria to grow, making them easier to identify under a microscope or through additional testing.
How is the sample collected?
You will receive a sterile collection container from your healthcare provider. Collect a small amount of stool (about the size of a walnut) from a bowel movement, making sure not to contaminate the sample with urine or toilet water. Label the container with your name and the date, and deliver it to the laboratory as soon as possible, preferably within 2 hours of collection. If you cannot deliver the sample immediately, store it in a refrigerator but not for more than 24 hours. Some patients may need to provide multiple samples for accurate results.
What bacteria can be detected?
This test can identify several common disease-causing bacteria including Salmonella (often from contaminated food), Shigella (spread through poor hygiene), Campylobacter (commonly from undercooked poultry), pathogenic E. coli (certain strains that cause severe diarrhea), Vibrio species (often from raw seafood), and Yersinia (sometimes found in undercooked pork). The specific bacteria looked for may vary based on your symptoms, recent travel history, and potential exposure to contaminated food or water.
How long does it take to get results?
Results typically take 2-5 days to complete. Bacteria need time to grow in the laboratory before they can be identified. If bacteria are present, additional tests may be performed to determine which antibiotics will be most effective (called susceptibility or sensitivity testing). Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at a follow-up appointment.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special fasting required. Patient should collect stool sample before initiating antibiotic therapy whenever possible. If patient is currently on antibiotics, note the antibiotic name, dose, and last dose time on the requisition. Avoid mixing stool with urine, toilet water, or toilet paper. Patient should be instructed on proper clean-catch technique to avoid environmental contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test painful?
What happens if pathogenic bacteria are found?
Can I transmit the infection to others?
When should I see a doctor?
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