Escherichia coli in Stool (Qualitative, Probe-Based)

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order 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 diagnose or monitor conditions like traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or other gastrointestinal infections.

How the Test Works

A small sample of your stool is collected and tested using a specialized probe method to detect *E. coli* DNA. This is a qualitative test, meaning it only tells you whether the bacteria are present or not, not how many are present.

Sample Collection

You’ll need to provide a fresh stool sample (usually collected in a sterile container) during your visit. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully to ensure the sample is representative.

Test Results Interpretation

A positive result means *E. coli* was found in your stool. This could indicate an infection, but other causes (like food poisoning or certain medications) may also be possible. A negative result means no *E. coli* was detected, but other bacteria or viruses could still be causing symptoms.