Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) stool culture with serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
This test checks for harmful bacteria (E. coli) that produce toxins, which can cause severe foodborne illness. It also identifies specific strains and their resistance to antibiotics.
["This test helps determine if you have a serious infection from a specific type of E. coli that needs medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105620-9
- Short code
- CAMP-SAL-SHI
- Synonyms
- Camp & Sal & Shig sp Stl Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof stool specimen container with transport medium (e.g., Cary-Blair)
- 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
- 395128001
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 grams of stool (approximately walnut-sized portion) or 5-10 mL if liquid
- Stability
- Unpreserved stool: process within 2 hours of collection at room temperature. In Cary-Blair transport medium: stable up to 72 hours at room temperature or refrigerated at 2-8°C
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like severe diarrhea, bloody stools, or vomiting, especially after eating contaminated food. It’s also used in outbreaks or when testing food samples for safety.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Bring any stool samples collected at home (if applicable) or use a provided collection kit. Avoid using laxatives or antibiotics unless instructed by your doctor.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider collects a stool sample. The sample is sent to a lab, where it is cultured to grow bacteria. Specialized tests identify Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and its serotypes, along with antibiotic resistance patterns.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of harmful E. coli strains. These bacteria can cause kidney failure in some cases (HUS) and require immediate medical care. Negative results mean no STEC was found in the sample.
Reference range
Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A
No special preparation required. Patient should collect stool sample at onset of diarrheal symptoms, preferably before initiation of antibiotic therapy. Avoid mixing stool with urine or toilet water.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
STEC stool test
Frequently asked questions
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can cause severe illness, including bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in rare cases, kidney damage. Early identification helps guide treatment and prevent complications.
How long will I need to wait for results?
Can I eat or drink normally 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