Escherichia coli Antigen in Stool (Qualitative)

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea (especially with blood or mucus), abdominal pain, fever, or if you’ve recently traveled to an area with higher risk of food/waterborne illnesses. It’s also used to confirm infections in people with recurrent urinary tract infections or after certain surgeries.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a fresh stool sample in a provided container. Avoid using toilet paper or cleaning products that might alter the sample. If you’re taking antibiotics, let your provider know, as they may affect results.

What the Results Mean

A positive result means *E. coli* bacteria were found in your stool. This could indicate an infection (e.g., traveler’s diarrhea, food poisoning, or urinary tract infection). A negative result means no bacteria were detected in this sample, but other causes of symptoms (like viruses or parasites) could still be present.

Next Steps After Testing

If positive, your provider will likely recommend antibiotics (if appropriate) or further testing to identify the exact strain and guide treatment. Follow-up may include cultures for antibiotic sensitivity or additional stool tests. If negative, other causes of your symptoms should be investigated.