Stool Culture: Results
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Results
A stool culture is done to identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites that may be causing an infection. Stool culture test results usually take 2 to 3 days.
| Normal: | No disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites are present or grow in the culture. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: | Bacteria (such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, certain types of Escherichia coli [E. coli], or Yersinia enterocolitica) grow in the culture. Fungi or parasites such as Giardia lamblia are found. |
If bacteria are found in the culture, sensitivity testing may be done to help choose the best treatment.
| Last updated: | April 11, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Monica Rhodes |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Tracy Landauer |
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