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Fecal Culture
Alternate Names : Culture - Stool, Stool Culture
Definition
This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms in the feces that may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease. Normally, many organisms are present in the feces, but some can act as pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Some bacteria cause symptoms because of the toxins they produce, while other cause symptoms by direct bacterial effects.
Pictures & Images
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Why is the Test Performed?
The test is performed when gastrointestinal distress is present and an infection is suspected as a cause of the distress. It may be performed if severe, persistent, or recurrent diarrhea of unknown cause is present. It may also be performed when long-term antibiotic therapy has been used, to see if bacteria that don't usually live in the intestine such as C. difficile are now in the intestine.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Special Considerations
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Bacterial Gastroenteritis
• Cryptosporidium Enteritis
Tests & Exams
• Fecal Smear
• Stool Gram Stain
• Stool Ova and Parasites Exam
Other Topics
• Diarrhea
• Toxins
Review Date : 1/8/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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