Fecal culture

What is a Fecal Culture?

A fecal culture is a test that looks for bacteria, viruses, or parasites in a stool sample. It’s used to diagnose or rule out an infection of the digestive system or other illnesses. Fecal cultures can help identify the cause of abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unusual discharge.

Preparation

You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for a fecal culture test, but there are some techniques you can use to ensure the most accurate results. These include:

• Using a sterile container for the specimen.
• Refraining from using laxatives or anti-diarrhea medicines the day before the test.
• Following a low-fiber diet a few days ahead of the test.
• Making sure the sample is collected within 12 hours of the test.

Procedure

The procedure for a fecal culture is simple. Your doctor will give you a kit that includes a container and collection instructions. Follow these instructions carefully, and make sure the sample is collected within 12 hours of taking the test. Submit the sample as soon as possible after collection.

Types

There are two types of fecal cultures:

• Qualitative fecal culture: This tests for the presence of organisms.
• Quantitative fecal culture: This tests for the quantity of organisms present.

Risks

A fecal culture is a safe procedure with little risk. The only risk is the possibility of an infection if the sample is not collected and stored properly.

Why it’s Done

A fecal culture is done to help diagnose or rule out an infection of the digestive system. It’s most commonly used to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain, bloody stools, or unusual discharge. It can also be used to diagnose a food-borne illness or a digestive condition such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

When to Get Tested

A fecal culture test should be performed when a doctor suspects an infection or digestive condition of the digestive system. It’s also used as a follow-up test to check if a current treatment is effective.