Yes, good hygiene practices like washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and avoiding contaminated food/water can help reduce the risk of *E. coli* infections. Proper food handling and storage also play a role.
This test checks for the presence of *Escherichia coli* bacteria in your stool and determines how your body might respond to antibiotics if needed.
["Identifies bacteria and potential antibiotic needs for infection treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16835-1
- Short code
- E coli SXT Stl Cult
- Synonyms
- E coli SXT Stl Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- Specimen volume
- 5 g
- Stability
- Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test involves collecting a sample of your stool to grow *E. coli* bacteria in a lab. If the bacteria are present, they will grow into colonies on special culture plates. This helps confirm whether *E. coli* is responsible for any symptoms you may be experiencing, such as diarrhea or abdominal pain.
How the Results Are Used
The results include two main parts: the presence of *E. coli* and, if present, the susceptibility of those bacteria to various antibiotics. This helps your healthcare provider choose the most effective treatment if an infection is confirmed.
Why It’s Done
A stool culture with AST is often recommended if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, fever, or other signs of a bacterial infection. It’s also used to guide antibiotic use in cases where a specific pathogen is suspected.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or medications that could interfere with the test results. Collecting a fresh stool sample is usually done at home or during a doctor’s visit.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
E. coli culture & drug response
Frequently asked questions
This test is critical for diagnosing infections caused by *E. coli*, which can range from mild gastrointestinal issues to more serious conditions like urinary tract infections or bloodstream infections. The susceptibility testing ensures antibiotics are chosen to target the specific bacteria, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Results can take several days to a week, depending on lab processing times. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the full report, which may include additional follow-up steps if needed.
Not necessarily. While *E. coli* is often treated with antibiotics, some cases of diarrhea may resolve on their own. Your doctor will determine if antibiotics are needed based on your symptoms, overall health, and the type of *E. coli* found.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy