A stool culture is a laboratory test performed to identify the presence of bacteria or viruses that cause infection. This test helps to diagnose an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The test is often used to determine the cause of prolonged diarrhoea or other diseases of the digestive tract. It aids in developing a treatment plan in such cases.
No special test preparation is needed. A fresh sample of stool is collected in a sterile container. Make sure to prevent it from any contamination with urine or water. The sample is then transferred to a vial containing preservatives and sent to the laboratory within an hour after collecting. A stool sample is collected with a swab of the rectum in infants.
