Mycobacterium tuberculosis Culture (Stool)
This test checks for the presence of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (TB), in your stool. It helps determine if you may have an active TB infection that requires further medical evaluation.
["This test helps doctors identify TB in your digestive system, guiding treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 9824-4
- Short code
- Mycobacterium Gast Cult
- Synonyms
- Mycobacterium Gast Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- 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
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, especially if you’ve traveled to or live in an area with higher TB rates. It’s also used in research or specialized diagnostic settings for gastrointestinal TB.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. Bring a fresh stool sample to the lab, ideally collected in the morning. If you’re using a stool collection kit, follow the instructions provided to ensure accuracy.
What Happens During the Test
The lab technician will examine the stool sample under a microscope or use specialized culture media to grow the bacteria. Results may take several weeks as the bacteria need time to grow in the lab.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means the lab found *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* in your stool, which may indicate an active TB infection in your digestive tract. A negative result means the bacteria were not detected, but this doesn’t rule out TB entirely—other tests may be needed.
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.
This test is critical for diagnosing gastrointestinal TB, a less common but serious form of the disease. Early detection allows for prompt treatment with antibiotics to prevent spread and manage symptoms. If you test positive, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Short name
Stool Culture for Tuberculosis Bacteria
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
Is this test painful or uncomfortable?
Can I eat or drink normally before providing the stool sample?
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