Stool Culture Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Results 2024

Table of Content

Introduction to Stool Culture Test

Stools or feces are solid bodily wastes discharged through the anus from the large intestine during defecation, consisting of 75% water and 25% solid matter. The action of bacteria and chemicals produced impacts the color, texture, and odor of the discharged matter, which vary based on our diet, health, and other bodily factors. 

Monitoring changes in our stool is essential to get insight into our digestive health. Several diseases influence our bowel function, leading to abnormalities in the feces. Persistent abnormalities such as blood in the stool, unusual odors, and changes in bowel habits causing constipation or diarrhea need proper evaluation and diagnosis from health professionals post a Stool Culture Test to maintain overall wellness.

Besides assessing stool abnormalities, a Stool Culture Test helps identify illness-causing bacteria such as shigella, salmonella, yersinia, and other bacteria impacting health. Book your Stool Culture Test with Redcliffe Labs. We are Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab that you can count on to book a comprehensive range of health tests and checkups at highly competitive rates and get tested comfortably from home.

Test Details:

What is the purpose of the Stool Culture Test?

The primary purpose of the Stool Culture Test is to identify bacteria, virus, or germs in the body that impacts the digestive system and overall well-being of the body. The test serves many other purposes, such as:

• Detect gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses, parasites, and bacteria in the body.
• It helps diagnose inflammatory bowel diseases or irritable bowel syndrome.
• It identifies specific microorganisms causing infection in the digestive tract.
• Identify causative agents for foodborne illnesses.
• Provide insight into persistent symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Help health professionals prescribe proper medication and treatment to eliminate the identified microorganisms.

Overall, the Stool Culture Test helps analyze and understand the functioning of the digestive system and gastrointestinal conditions for proper medication and the well-being of individuals.

When Do I Need A Stool Culture Test?

A Stool Culture Test is generally recommended if an individual experiences:

• Diarrhea: A stool test is advisable if severe or persistent diarrhea doesn't improve over-the-counter remedies.
• Abdominal Pain: Fever and dehydration accompanied by abdominal pain need our attention.
• Blood in Stool: Mucus or blood in stool followed by vomiting should not be neglected. Immediate consultation with a health professional is essential.
• Food Poisoning: Persistent vomiting and bowel defecation can be caused by contaminated food or water. A stool test is recommended in such conditions.
• Exposed to Infections: If you have a weak immune system, have been exposed to infectious agents, or come in contact with individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal infections, you can take the stool test.
• Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Persistent abdominal pain leading to unintended weight loss and changes in bowel habits needs attention and testing.

Getting tested in time is essential for accurate and appropriate diagnosis and better health management.

What are the symptoms that call for a Stool Culture Test?

While the symptoms or signs an individual may exhibit may vary, depending on their age, gender, medical history, and more, certain signs that may prompt the need for a Stool Culture Test are:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Persistent digestive problems
• Excessive pain or cramping in the stomach

Taking a Stool Culture Test will help the doctor determine the cause of the symptoms and prescribe medications accordingly. Getting tested when your body shows symptoms is important for proper diagnosis and early treatment.

What preparations are required for a Stool Culture Test?

A Stool Culture Test doesn’t require any special preparation, however, certain points should be considered before undertaking it.

• Urine should not pass into the stool sample collected. 
• Inform your healthcare provider about the medications & supplements being consumed.
• Travel influences your diet, impacting your digestive system and bowel. Hence it is important to inform your healthcare provider about your recent travel while taking the stool test.
• It is important to keep your doctor informed about your medical history for accurate interpretations.
• Avoid laxatives and stool softeners as they interfere with the composition and consistency of the stool.
• Raw fruits and vegetables, red meat, consumption of alcoholic beverages, or smoking should be refrained from before undergoing the stool culture test.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you are consuming iron supplements, as it might affect the results.

These are general guidelines and may vary depending on your condition or instructions given by your doctor. For best results, follow the instructions prescribed by your doctor.

What is the Procedure for a Stool Culture Test?

Collect the stool specimens in the following manner:

• Use a clean & dry container with a tight-fitting lid to collect the specimen. If possible, use a sterile cup.
• Do not overfill the container with stool collected.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or sanitize them before collecting the sample.
• Place the container pre and post-specimen collection in a clean place.
• Make sure to label the container with your name and date of birth or any other specific information requested by the healthcare provider.
• Do not collect specimens from the toilet pan.
• Do not mix any external agent such as soap, water, or paper in the stool collected.
• Traces of blood or urine should not be passed into the stool specimen collected.
• Deliver or get the sample collected as soon as possible.

If you have concerns or queries related to the preparation or procedure of the test, feel free to have an open discussion with your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.

What does a Stool Culture Test mean?

A Stool Culture Test interprets the bacterial content and microorganisms present in the stool specimen. Results can be depending on the bacterial action on the stool. Stool samples are evaluated macroscopically, considering the feces' color, consistency, form, odor, and mucus.

Normal or Negative Results: A negative or normal result for the stool culture test shows no trace of any abnormal bacteria or other virus-causing infection in the feces.

Positive Results: If the result is positive, it means that bacteria, parasites, or abnormal organisms causing infection were found in the stool, which requires the attention and consultation of a doctor for further interventions.

A positive result can be due to:

• Bacterial Presence: Indicates elevated levels of bacterial presence in the stool causing infection.

• Parasitic Presence:  Parasites in the stool can lead to health issues.

• Blood Traces: A fecal occult test or additional stool DNA testing is recommended if blood traces are found in the stool.

However, accurate diagnosis depends on age, gender, symptoms, test results, and other clinical evaluations. Therefore, we provide a free doctor consultation to discuss the reports so that you can understand your health better and make informed decisions accordingly.

Stool Culture Test Price @ Redcliffe Labs

The Stool Culture Test Price with Redcliffe Labs is just Rs 750. You can book the test online in just 1 minute and get tested comfortably from home. We offer a comprehensive range of tests under one roof at highly competitive rates. So, delay no more and book your Stool Culture Test with Redcliffe Labs today.

Book Stool Culture Test With Redcliffe Labs Today!

Checking your stool is essential to know about infections impacting your digestive system and take charge of your health before it’s too late. So, why wait, and what for? Book your Stool Culture Test at home with us today. With us, you can benefit from express slots, ensuring the sample gets picked up within 45 minutes from your home. In addition, you’ll get accurate test results within a stipulated time frame. Do you still have doubts? Book your test now!

Other Tests That You can Book with Redcliffe Labs

Reasons To Choose Redcliffe Labs For Stool Culture:

• We have experienced phlebotomists to collect a sample at your doorstep.
• We share e-reports via the registered email ID or WhatsApp within a stipulated time frame.
• We assure 100% accurate and reliable lab reports, as per the NABL guidelines.
• We are available a call or a click away to offer the maximum assistance.