Campylobacter stool culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing
This test checks for the presence of *Campylobacter* bacteria in your stool, which can cause gastrointestinal infections. It also evaluates how your body might respond to antibiotics if the bacteria are confirmed.
["A stool culture helps diagnose infections caused by *Campylobacter* and guides antibiotic treatment if needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 100911-7
- Short code
- CAMPY
- Synonyms
- Campylobacter Stl Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouth, leak-proof container with screw-cap lid; preferably a stool culture transport system such as Cary-Blair medium for transport if delayed processing is anticipated
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 40468003
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams (approximately 1-2 teaspoons) of fresh stool, or a swab of fecal material
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed within 2 hours of collection if held at room temperature. If transport is delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C and process within 24 hours. In Cary-Blair transport medium, specimens are stable for up to 48-72 hours at room temperature or refrigerated.
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or vomiting that could be linked to a bacterial infection. It’s also used in cases of unexplained diarrhea, especially if travel history or exposure to contaminated food/water is suspected.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Collect a fresh stool sample in a sterile container, typically provided by your lab. If you’re using a kit, follow the instructions carefully to ensure accuracy. Avoid using toilet paper or menstrual products in the sample.
What Happens During the Test
The stool sample is sent to a lab where it’s cultured on special growth media to identify *Campylobacter* bacteria. If the bacteria are found, additional tests (like antimicrobial susceptibility) may be performed to determine which antibiotics would be most effective.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means *Campylobacter* bacteria were detected. This confirms a possible infection and helps guide treatment. A negative result means no bacteria were found in this sample, but other causes of symptoms (like viruses or food poisoning from other bacteria) could still be responsible.
Reference range
Negative for Campylobacter species. No Campylobacter isolated.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should avoid taking antidiarrheal medications (e.g., loperamide, bismuth subsalicylate) and antibiotics for at least 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection when possible, as these may reduce organism yield. A fresh stool specimen should be collected, ideally during the acute diarrheal phase.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Campylobacter infections are common, often spread through contaminated food (e.g., undercooked poultry, raw milk) or water. Symptoms typically appear 1–5 days after exposure and can last 2–10 days. While most infections resolve on their own, severe cases (especially in young children, elderly adults, or immunocompromised individuals) may require antibiotics. Early identification helps prevent complications like dehydration.
Short name
Campylobacter stool culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if I have recurring diarrhea?
Can I take antibiotics 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy