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Stool Culture, Qualitative

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

A test that grows microbes from stool to identify organisms that may cause digestive symptoms. The compressed order name contains ambiguous “crea/rect” terms, so confirm the exact test.

Quick summary

["A stool culture can help identify a bacterial or other microbial cause of gastrointestinal symptoms."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
77924-9
Short code
CRE Anorectl/Stl Ql Cult
Synonyms
CRE Anorectl/Stl Ql Cult
Category
tumor-marker
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
organism-specific-culture
Specimen volume
5 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A stool culture is a laboratory test in which a stool specimen is used to grow and identify bacteria or other microorganisms. The compressed order name contains an unclear “crea/rect” segment, so ask the laboratory or ordering clinician to confirm the exact test and specimen.

Why might I need this test?

A stool culture may be ordered for persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, blood in the stool, dehydration, or symptoms after antibiotic exposure. It may also be used to investigate outbreaks or monitor certain people at increased risk of infection.

How is the test performed?

The laboratory places a small amount of the stool specimen onto special culture media and observes whether microorganisms grow. Any organisms found may then be identified using additional laboratory methods.

How do I prepare for the test?

Collect the stool specimen in the container and at the time specified by the laboratory. Do not start or stop antibiotics unless instructed by your clinician, because they can affect the results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Growth of an organism may suggest an intestinal infection, but some bacteria normally live in the bowel, so results must be interpreted with symptoms and other findings. A negative culture does not completely exclude infection, particularly after antibiotics or when a virus or noninfectious condition is responsible.

Short name

Stool Culture

Frequently asked questions

Is a stool culture the same as routine stool analysis?
No. Routine stool analysis may examine cells, blood, parasites, or digestive material, while a culture specifically attempts to grow microorganisms.
Can bacteria found in a stool culture be normal?
Yes. Many types of bacteria normally live in the intestine, so a result is meaningful only when the organism, clinical symptoms, and other findings support infection.
Why does the order name mention “crea” and “rect”?
Those parts of the compressed name are ambiguous and could refer to a specific organism, specimen type, or another modifier. Confirm the written order with the laboratory before assuming it is a standard stool culture.
  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