Fecal culture

What is Fecal Culture?

A fecal culture is a type of laboratory test used to diagnose infections that involve the intestines. During the test, the lab samples the person's stool and then uses a microscope to look for signs of a bacterial or viral infection. Fecal cultures can be used to identify the cause of infectious diarrhea, stomach cramps, or even to look for a dangerous condition called Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Fecal cultures are also called stool cultures or fecal tests.

Preparing for a Fecal Culture

Your doctor or lab will provide instructions on how to prepare for a fecal culture. Generally, the instructions will include the following:

• Collect the sample in a sterile container provided by the lab. Make sure the container is clean and dry.
• Do not use any toilet paper, wipes, or any other chemicals to collect the sample.
• Refrigerate the sample if possible. If not, store the sample in a cool, dry place.
• If collecting multiple samples, label and date each sample.
• Deliver the sample to your lab or doctor within 48 hours of collection. If the sample cannot be delivered within that time, freeze it.

Procedure of Fecal Culture

When the sample arrives at the lab, it is prepared and analyzed according to a set of standard procedures. The procedure typically includes the following steps:

• The sample is checked for parasites or eggs under a microscope.
• Then, using a technique called gas chromatography, the sample is analyzed for bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
• The lab will also run a culture, which is a process of growing the sample in a laboratory dish to look for specific types of bacteria.
• Finally, the lab will use an advanced technique called DNA fingerprinting to identify the exact type of bacteria or virus in the sample.

Types of Fecal Cultures

There are several types of fecal cultures available, depending on the type of infection that needs to be identified. Some of the most common types of fecal cultures include:

• Enteric Fecal Culture: This type of culture is used to diagnose intestinal infections caused by E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and some other bacteria.
• Cholera Fecal Culture: This type of culture is used to identify cholera, an acute bacterial infection caused by Vibrio cholerae.
• Stool Parasite Culture: This type of culture is used to diagnose parasitic infections, such as giardiasis, amoebiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and trichinosis.
• Clostridium difficile Fecal Culture: This type of culture is used to diagnose C. diff, a potentially dangerous bacterial infection of the intestines.

Risks and Complications of Fecal Culture

Fecal cultures are generally safe and have no known risks or complications. The only possible risks are those associated with collecting the sample, such as skin irritation. Most people do not experience any discomfort when collecting their sample.

Why is Fecal Culture Performed?

Fecal cultures are used to diagnose a variety of intestinal infections, including bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Fecal cultures can also be used to diagnose C. diff, a potentially serious infection of the intestines.

When is Fecal Culture Performed?

Fecal cultures are usually performed when a person has symptoms of an intestinal infection, such as abdominal pain, cramping, or diarrhea. If your doctor suspects that you may have an infection, he or she may order a fecal culture.