Stool Culture
Results
A stool culture is done to identify bacteria, viruses, or fungi that may be causing an infection. Stool culture test results usually take 2 to 3 days. But some cultures for fungus may take weeks to get results.
| Normal: |
No disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria, fungi, or viruses are present or grow in the culture. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: |
Bacteria (such as Reference salmonella Opens New Window, shigella, campylobacter, certain types of Reference Escherichia coli Opens New Window[E. coli], or Yersinia enterocolitica) grow in the culture. Fungi such as yeast are found in the stool. |
If bacteria are found in the culture, Reference sensitivity testing may be done to help choose the best treatment.
The stool also may be examined under a microscope to look for parasites such as Giardia.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference March 7, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology |
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