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Chlamydia trachomatis Culture (Stool)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of *Chlamydia trachomatis*, a bacteria that can cause infections like urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, or eye infections. It involves growing the bacteria from a stool sample to identify if it is present in your body.

Quick summary

["A stool culture helps diagnose infections caused by *Chlamydia trachomatis* and guides treatment decisions."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6348-7
Short code
Chlamydia Spt Cult
Synonyms
Chlamydia Spt Cult
Category
chemistry
Sample
sputum
Container
Sterile sputum container
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.8
Ref high
1.2
Critical range
— – 5 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
organism-specific-culture
CPT
85610
SNOMED
396252006
Specimen volume
3-5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with a *Chlamydia* infection. It’s also used in certain screening programs for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

What Does the Test Involve?

A small sample of your stool is collected and sent to a lab. The lab grows the bacteria in a controlled environment to see if *Chlamydia trachomatis* is present. Results may take several days to weeks.

What Are Possible Results?

If *Chlamydia trachomatis* is found in your stool, it confirms the infection. If no bacteria are detected, it means the infection is likely not present in this sample. Results can sometimes be inconclusive if the sample is not representative.

What Does This Test Tell You About My Health?

This test helps confirm if you have an active *Chlamydia* infection in your gastrointestinal tract. It’s important for diagnosing infections that may not cause obvious symptoms but can spread to other parts of the body or affect others if untreated.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: sputum

Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Stool Culture for Chlamydia

Frequently asked questions

What Are Common Symptoms of a Positive Result?
Symptoms of *Chlamydia* infection from stool may include persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or fever. However, many people with this infection have no symptoms at all, so testing is crucial for early detection.
How Is This Test Different from Other Chlamydia Tests?
Unlike blood or urine tests (which detect antibodies or genetic material), this stool culture directly grows the bacteria. It’s useful for diagnosing infections in the gastrointestinal tract but may not detect infections in other body areas.
Can I Take Antibiotics Before the Test?
No, you should avoid antibiotics before this test. Taking antibiotics may reduce or eliminate the bacteria, leading to a false negative result. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for timing.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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