Stool Pathogen Detection Report (Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity)
This test checks for bacteria in your stool and helps determine which antibiotics may work best to treat any infection.
["Helps diagnose bacterial infections in the digestive tract and guides antibiotic treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 66114-0
- Short code
- Stom Path Bx report
- Synonyms
- Stom Path Bx report
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test involves collecting a sample of your stool and growing bacteria in a lab to identify any present. If bacteria are found, the lab will also test how they respond to different antibiotics, called sensitivity testing.
Why It’s Ordered
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or other signs of a bacterial infection in your digestive system. It’s also used to confirm infections in people with weakened immune systems or those who have had recent surgeries.
Sample Collection and Preparation
You’ll provide a fresh stool sample (usually collected in a special container) to your healthcare provider. The sample is then sent to a lab where it’s processed to grow bacteria, if present.
How Results Are Used
Results show whether bacteria were detected and, if so, which antibiotics are most effective against them. This helps your doctor choose the right treatment to stop the infection without causing unnecessary side effects.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Stool Culture and Antibiotics Sensitivity Test
Frequently asked questions
This test is crucial for diagnosing bacterial gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, or *Shigella*. It helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics by confirming the presence of harmful bacteria before treatment begins.
Results typically take 3–5 business days for bacterial identification and up to 1–2 weeks for full antibiotic sensitivity results, depending on lab processing times.
If ordered for monitoring (e.g., after surgery or in immunocompromised patients), the test helps prevent or detect infections early. Even without symptoms, it ensures your body’s health is being carefully checked.
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