Campylobacter Species Detection by Quantitative PCR (Stool)
This test checks for the presence of *Campylobacter* bacteria in your stool using a molecular method to detect their genetic material.
["Assesses for possible infection with *Campylobacter*, a common cause of gastrointestinal illness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97513-6
- Short code
- CAMPY
- Synonyms
- Campylobacter Spec Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container or Cary-Blair transport medium for stool specimens. For serum, red-top or serum separator tube (SST). Rectal swabs should be placed in Amies or Cary-Blair transport medium.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87046
- SNOMED
- 417540008
- Specimen volume
- Stool: 5-10 g (approximately 1-2 mL liquid stool). Serum: 3-5 mL whole blood yielding 1-2 mL serum.
- Stability
- Stool in Cary-Blair transport medium: stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 72 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 5 days. Serum: stable at 2-8°C for 7 days, frozen at -70°C for longer storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve experienced symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting—especially if you’ve traveled to areas with poor sanitation or consumed undercooked food. It’s also used to diagnose suspected infections in people with no clear source of exposure, such as after a foodborne outbreak or in immunocompromised individuals.
How the Test Works
The test involves collecting a stool sample and analyzing it for genetic material (DNA) specific to *Campylobacter* bacteria using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR is highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of bacteria, helping confirm an infection before symptoms fully develop.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll provide a fresh stool sample (usually collected in a special container) during a visit to your healthcare provider’s office or lab. The sample is then processed and tested in a lab setting.
Test Results and Interpretation
Results are reported as either **positive** (indicating *Campylobacter* DNA is present) or **negative** (no detectable DNA). A positive result strongly suggests an active infection, while a negative result means no *Campylobacter* was found in the sample at the time tested.
Reference range
Negative for Campylobacter species. No Campylobacter sp. isolated.N/A
No special patient preparation required prior to specimen collection. Patient should be instructed to collect stool specimen in a clean, dry, wide-mouthed container or transport in Cary-Blair medium. If serum is submitted, no fasting is required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Campylobacter PCR Stool Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are the common symptoms of a *Campylobacter* infection?
Is this test covered by insurance?
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