Why the test is performed
To identify selected bacterial, viral or parasitic causes of gastrointestinal illness.
World time
Laboratory Testing Online / Microbiology
Stool Culture / Enteric Pathogen Panel
To identify selected bacterial, viral or parasitic causes of gastrointestinal illness.Test profileMIStool Culture / Enteric Pathogen Panel
Test and specimen
What is being examined?
- Test
- Stool Culture / Enteric Pathogen Panel
- Department
- Microbiology
- Typical sample or measurement
- Fresh stool in the specified container or transport medium
Before the test
Avoid contaminating stool with urine or toilet water; follow collection and transport instructions and disclose recent antibiotics or travel.
Clinical interpretation
Laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional using the correct reference interval, method, symptoms, history and other findings. A normal or abnormal value rarely confirms or excludes a condition by itself.
What the test is used for
Persistent, severe, bloody, outbreak-associated or travel-related diarrhoea and public-health investigation.
How the test is performed
Depending on the question, stool is cultured, examined microscopically, tested for antigen/toxin or analysed by a molecular panel.
Conditions and diseases considered
Used for infectious gastroenteritis including Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, C. difficile or parasitic infection according to the selected method.
Recommended further tests
C. difficile assay, ova and parasite examination, faecal inflammatory markers, blood tests or endoscopy when infection is not the only concern.
Primary public reference
Continue with the official patient guide.
COHSEW has summarised this information for navigation and awareness. Follow the source and your healthcare provider’s current instructions for the complete context.
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