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Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin, Qualitative Test

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A qualitative test that checks whether Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, a bacterial toxin associated with food poisoning, is detected in a submitted specimen.

Quick summary

["A positive result indicates that staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
25825-1
Short code
Deprecated S aureus Etx C IgE RAST Ql
Synonyms
Deprecated S aureus Etx C IgE RAST Ql
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin is a toxin made by certain strains of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This qualitative test reports whether the toxin was detected; it does not provide a measured toxin concentration.

Why might I need this test?

This test may be used when staphylococcal food poisoning or another possible toxin-related illness is suspected. It may also be used in selected food-testing or public-health investigations.

How is the test performed?

A laboratory examines a submitted specimen using a validated qualitative method to determine whether Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin can be detected. The specimen type and testing method depend on the test order and clinical or public-health context.

How do I prepare for the test?

Preparation depends on the specimen being tested. Follow the laboratory's collection instructions and tell the clinician if you recently ate a shared meal, handled food, or were exposed to others with similar symptoms.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

S. aureus enterotoxin

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I have a Staphylococcus aureus infection?
Not necessarily. It indicates that the toxin was detected; it may support food poisoning or toxin exposure but does not by itself establish a bloodstream or other tissue infection.
What symptoms can staphylococcal food poisoning cause?
Common symptoms include sudden nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever. Symptoms often begin soon after eating contaminated food.
Can a negative result rule out food poisoning?
No. A negative result cannot exclude another cause of food poisoning, and detection may be affected by when the specimen was collected and how it was handled.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy