Campylobacter stool culture with selective agar plating
This test helps identify the presence of *Campylobacter* bacteria in your stool, which can cause gastrointestinal infections.
["A stool culture may be needed if you have diarrhea, fever, or other symptoms of a bacterial infection."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 6331-3
- Short code
- CAMPY
- Synonyms
- Campylobacter Stl Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container with tight-fitting lid (plastic cup or transport vial); or Cary-Blair transport medium for delayed processing
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 6387002
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams of stool (approximately a walnut-sized portion); rectal swab acceptable for infants or when stool is not available
- Stability
- Unpreserved stool: process within 2 hours at room temperature; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; in Cary-Blair transport medium: up to 48-72 hours at room temperature or refrigerated. Do not freeze.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you experience symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or blood in your stool. It helps determine whether a bacterial infection—such as caused by *Campylobacter*—is the cause of your illness.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually required, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods (like raw meat or dairy) or antibiotics for a few days before testing, depending on your provider’s instructions.
What the Test Involves
A stool sample is collected (often via a clean container) and sent to a lab. The sample is then cultured on special agar plates to grow *Campylobacter* bacteria, if present.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of *Campylobacter* bacteria, which can lead to infections causing diarrhea, vomiting, or cramping. Negative results mean no detectable bacteria were found in this sample.
Reference range
Negative for Campylobacter species. No Campylobacter isolated. Normal stool flora may be reported.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should avoid antibiotics, antidiarrheal medications (bismuth subsalicylate, loperamide), and barium contrast studies for at least 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection if possible, as these may inhibit organism recovery.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Campylobacter stool culture
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take antibiotics before testing?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy