Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial culture and sensitivity (C&S) with specific identification (including serotyping)
This test checks for the presence of *Escherichia coli* bacteria in your stool and helps determine if antibiotics or other treatments are needed. It also identifies specific strains that may require targeted treatment.
["A positive result may indicate a bacterial infection needing medical attention, while results help guide antibiotic choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12276-2
- Short code
- Deprecated E coli O157H7 Stl Cult
- Synonyms
- Deprecated E coli O157H7 Stl Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea (especially with blood or mucus), abdominal pain, fever, or if you’ve been exposed to a known source of *E. coli*. It’s also used in newborns or immunocompromised individuals to rule out infections.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll provide a fresh stool sample in a sterile container. The lab will culture the sample to grow *E. coli* bacteria (if present) and test their sensitivity to antibiotics. Results may take several days to weeks.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means *E. coli* was found. The report will list specific strains and their antibiotic resistance patterns, helping your doctor choose the best treatment. A negative result means no *E. coli* was detected, but other causes of symptoms may still exist.
Common Causes of False Results
False negatives can occur if the sample was contaminated, improperly collected, or processed too quickly. False positives are rare but may happen if other bacteria or contaminants grow in the lab. Follow-up testing may be needed if initial results are unclear.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
E. coli infections can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to severe systemic illnesses (e.g., urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections). Certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) produce toxins causing life-threatening conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome. Early identification and targeted treatment improve outcomes.
Short name
E. coli stool culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if my test is positive for E. coli?
Can I eat or drink 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy