Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxin D, Stool — Qualitative
A qualitative stool test that detects the toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus, sometimes used when staphylococcal food poisoning is suspected.
["A positive result indicates that S. aureus enterotoxin D was detected in the stool."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25827-7
- Short code
- Deprecated S aureus Etx D IgE RAST Ql
- Synonyms
- Deprecated S aureus Etx D 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?
This test looks for Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin D in a stool sample. Staphylococcal food poisoning can cause sudden vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea.
Why might I need this test?
It may be considered in selected cases of suspected food poisoning, especially when symptoms begin soon after eating a contaminated food. This is a specialized or historical test and may not be routinely offered.
How is the test performed?
A stool sample is collected and tested for the presence of enterotoxin D using a laboratory-validated method. A qualitative result reports whether the toxin was detected or was not detected.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the laboratory's collection instructions. Usually, you will be asked to provide a fresh stool sample in the supplied container; antibiotics or other medicines should be discussed with your clinician before collection if they could affect the results.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result means that Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin D was detected in the stool and can support a diagnosis of toxin-mediated staphylococcal food poisoning. A negative result does not completely exclude staphylococcal poisoning because testing is not always sensitive and other causes of similar symptoms are more common. Results should be interpreted with the timing of symptoms, possible food exposure, and other clinical findings.
Short name
S. aureus enterotoxin D stool test
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a Staphylococcus aureus infection?
What symptoms can staphylococcal food poisoning cause?
Why might this test be unavailable?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy