Salivary Shigella Culture with Selective Agar (for Detection of Shigella Bacteria)
This test checks for the presence of *Shigella* bacteria in your saliva, which can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. It helps determine if you have an infection that requires medical treatment.
["A positive culture may indicate a bacterial infection needing antibiotics."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105621-7
- Short code
- CSCS3
- Synonyms
- Camp & Sal & Shig sp Stl Cult org #3
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof plastic stool specimen container with tight-fitting lid (without preservative); Cary-Blair transport medium recommended if delayed transport is anticipated. Rectal swabs should be placed in appropriate transport medium.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 4
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 395002009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL liquid stool or 5-10 grams formed stool; rectal swab with visible fecal material is acceptable
- Stability
- Unpreserved stool: room temperature ≤2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours. In Cary-Blair transport medium: refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 72 hours. Avoid freezing.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever that could be caused by a *Shigella* infection. It’s also used in outbreaks or when other tests (like blood or stool samples) are inconclusive.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a saliva sample, usually by swabbing your inner cheek. Avoid eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth for 30 minutes before the test.
How the Test Works
A lab technician will process your saliva sample on a special agar plate designed to grow *Shigella* bacteria. Over 48 hours, any present bacteria will multiply and appear as colonies. A positive result means *Shigella* is detected.
Possible Results and Next Steps
A negative result means no *Shigella* bacteria were found in your saliva. A positive result requires further evaluation, including possible antibiotic treatment. Follow-up may include additional tests or a doctor’s visit.
Reference range
Normal: <4.0 ng/mLN/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patients should be advised to collect stool sample prior to starting antibiotic therapy whenever possible, as prior antimicrobial use may reduce pathogen recovery. Rectal swab is acceptable if stool cannot be obtained. Patient should avoid contamination with urine or toilet water.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Shigella Culture (Saliva)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How soon will I get results?
Can I prevent *Shigella* infection?
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