Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling

Most food poisoning is mild and passes in a few days, so most people don't go to a doctor for a diagnosis. You can often diagnose food poisoning yourself if others who ate the same food as you also become ill.

If you do go to your doctor, he or she will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and your medical history. Your doctor will ask where you have been eating and whether anyone who ate the same food has the same symptoms.

Sometimes the following tests are done:

• A Reference stool culture may be done if your doctor suspects that you have eaten contaminated food, your symptoms are severe, or the diagnosis is uncertain.
• Blood tests may be done to help find out whether the food poisoning is caused by bacteria or to rule out other causes. A Reference complete blood count and a Reference chemistry screen can help show whether you are severely ill or dehydrated.
• If you are pregnant or have an Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window and have been exposed to Reference toxoplasmosis Opens New Window, you may need a Reference toxoplasmosis test. To learn more, see the topic Reference Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy.

Your doctor may need to report your condition to the health department. This is done to help the government track the condition and identify possible outbreaks.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.