HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Stool Culture
What To Think About
- You may have an infection even if your stool culture test is normal.
- Sensitivity testing helps your doctor choose the best treatment for the specific disease or infection.
- A stool sample may be tested for Reference parasites Opens New Window such as pinworms, roundworms, tapeworms and the protozoan Giardia that causes Reference giardiasis Opens New Window. The parasites or their eggs can often be seen during an examination of the stool sample under a microscope. For more information, see the topic Reference Pinworms or Reference Giardiasis.
- A stool sample can also be
checked for:
- White blood cells, which may be caused by diseases such as Reference inflammatory bowel disease Opens New Window.
- Blood, which may be caused by Reference ulcers Opens New Window or Reference cancer of the colon Opens New Window.
- Poisonous substances (toxins) produced by some types of bacteria.
- A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a sample of stool to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract, including infection, poor absorption, or cancer. For more information, see the topic Reference Stool Analysis.
| 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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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.
