Salivary Shigella Flexneri Group B Culture (with Selective Agar)
This test checks for the presence of *Shigella* bacteria, specifically Group B (Flexneri), in your saliva. It helps determine if you may have an infection that could spread to other parts of your body.
["A positive result may indicate a bacterial infection requiring medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 103661-5
- Short code
- CSS
- Synonyms
- Camp & Sal & Shig sp Stl Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, wide-mouth container with screw-cap lid; preferably a Cary-Blair transport medium vial for stool specimen preservation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 4
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 278990002
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of liquid stool or 5-50 g of solid stool; minimum 1-2 mL of stool for culture
- Stability
- Unpreserved stool: process within 2 hours of collection at room temperature. In Cary-Blair transport medium: stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 4 days; refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 7 days. Do not freeze.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stool—common signs of a *Shigella* infection. It’s also used in outbreaks or if you’ve been exposed to someone with the bacteria.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a saliva sample, which is collected by gently swabbing your inner cheek. The sample is then sent to a lab for culture growth over several days.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result means *Shigella* bacteria were found in your saliva, suggesting an infection. A negative result means the bacteria were not detected in this sample. Results may take 3–7 days to complete.
Possible Side Effects or Risks
There are no significant risks or side effects from this test. The sample collection is quick and painless. Rarely, mild discomfort or irritation may occur during swabbing.
Reference range
Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Patient should avoid taking antidiarrheal medications, antibiotics, or bismuth-containing preparations for 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection if possible, as these may inhibit organism growth. Collect specimen during acute phase of diarrhea.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
*Shigella* infections can cause severe diarrhea, dehydration, and systemic symptoms. Early identification helps guide treatment with antibiotics (if appropriate) and supports recovery. This test is critical for diagnosing infections in outbreaks, travel-related cases, or suspected foodborne illnesses.
Short name
Salivary Shigella Flexneri Group B Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if I have symptoms but the test is negative?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy