Campylobacter jejuni stool culture with qualitative detection (screening)
This test checks your stool sample for the presence of *Campylobacter jejuni*, a common cause of bacterial diarrhea. It helps identify infections that may require treatment.
["A positive result may indicate a recent gastrointestinal infection needing medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44799-5
- Short code
- COXBURNC
- Synonyms
- C burnet Spec Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container for tissue/biopsy specimens; serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top tube for serum; specific transport media recommended by reference laboratory
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87081
- SNOMED
- 39594009
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of serum; 1-2 grams of tissue biopsy material in sterile container; whole blood in EDTA tube acceptable
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C if testing within 24-48 hours; freeze at -70°C or below for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Transport on wet ice for culture specimens.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 168–1008 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order 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 contaminated food/water. It’s also used to diagnose suspected foodborne infections in children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Bring any stool samples collected at home (if applicable) or use the provided collection kit. Avoid using toilet paper or cleaning agents in the sample. If you’re using a kit, follow the instructions carefully to ensure accuracy.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will collect your stool sample. The lab will then culture it to detect *Campylobacter jejuni* using standard microbiological techniques. Results are typically available within 3–5 business days, depending on lab processing times.
What the Results Mean
A **positive result** confirms the presence of *Campylobacter jejuni* in your stool, suggesting an active infection. A **negative result** means the bacteria were not detected, but symptoms could still be due to other causes (e.g., viral infections, food allergies). Follow-up testing or treatment may be recommended based on your symptoms and doctor’s assessment.
Reference range
Negative for Coxiella burnetii by culture (no growth observed). Positive indicates viable organism isolation.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Inform patient that culture results may take 1-6 weeks due to slow growth of Coxiella burnetii. Acute-phase specimens should be collected before antibiotic therapy when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Campylobacter stool culture
Frequently asked questions
If you have diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, blood in your stool, severe dehydration, or a fever, seek medical attention promptly. *Campylobacter* infections can sometimes lead to complications like reactive arthritis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or persistent diarrhea. Early treatment with antibiotics (if prescribed) can shorten the infection.
Results are usually available within 3 to 5 business days, but this can vary by lab. Your doctor will contact you once the results are ready.
Yes, you can eat and drink normally before the test. No special diet or fasting is required.
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