Escherichia coli antigen detection (stool sample)

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea (especially with blood or mucus), abdominal pain, fever, or if you’ve been exposed to someone with a gastrointestinal infection. It’s also used to diagnose or monitor conditions like traveler’s diarrhea, food poisoning, or urinary tract infections that may spread to the intestines.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a fresh stool sample in a container provided by your healthcare provider. Avoid using toilet paper or cleaning products that might alter the sample.

What the Test Results Mean

A positive result means *E. coli* bacteria are present in your stool. This could signal an infection, but other causes (like certain foods or medications) may also lead to false positives. A negative result means no detectable bacteria were found, but it doesn’t rule out infection if symptoms persist.

Possible Causes of Positive Results

*E. coli* infections can come from contaminated food, water, or person-to-person contact. Some strains cause diarrhea, while others may cause urinary tract infections or other serious illnesses. Certain types (like E. coli O157:H7) are particularly dangerous and require urgent medical attention.