What is the Stool culture test?
A stool culture test is a laboratory test that is done to identify the presence of bacteria, viruses or parasites in a stool sample. It is typically ordered when a patient has symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection, such as diarrhea,vomiting,abdominal pain, and fever.
Stool culture tests can help identify the cause of the infection, which can help in providing appropriate treatment. For example, if the test identifies a specific bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics known to be effective against that bacteria. It is very important to note that a negative stool culture test does not necessarily rule out the presence of an infection, as some infections may be caused by viruses or parasites that do not grow well in laboratory cultures.