Skip to content

Salmonella Culture (Stool)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test checks for the presence of *Salmonella* bacteria in your stool, which can cause food poisoning or other infections.

Quick summary

["A positive result may indicate a Salmonella infection requiring medical attention."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
20955-1
Short code
Salmonella Stl Cult
Synonyms
Salmonella Stl Cult
Category
chemistry
Sample
stool
Container
Clean container
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 g
Stability
Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, or blood in your stool. It’s also used to diagnose infections after potential exposure to contaminated food or water.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to collect a fresh stool sample in a sterile container. Avoid using toilet paper or cleaning agents in the sample.

How the Test Works

The stool sample is mixed with a nutrient-rich medium and incubated to allow Salmonella bacteria to grow. After several days, the lab checks for bacterial colonies that match Salmonella’s appearance under a microscope or through additional testing.

What the Results Mean

A positive result confirms the presence of *Salmonella* bacteria, which can cause severe illness. A negative result means no detectable bacteria were found in this sample, but infections can sometimes take time to develop.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: stool

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Stool Culture for Salmonella

Frequently asked questions

What are the typical symptoms of a Salmonella infection?
Symptoms often include sudden onset of diarrhea (sometimes bloody), severe stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Symptoms usually appear 6 hours to 6 days after infection and last 4–7 days, though some people may experience longer-lasting effects.
How is Salmonella infection treated?
Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and antibiotics (if prescribed) to fight the infection. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous fluids or additional support. Antibiotics are not always needed for mild cases.
Can Salmonella infections be prevented?
Yes! Practice good hygiene—wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before handling food. Avoid raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, eggs, and unpasteurized dairy. Also, clean surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with contaminated food.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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