Test Code STCS Culture, Stool
Additional Codes
LAB5135
Methodology
Includes culture for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Plesiomonas, enterohemorragic E. coli and detecting changes in normal flora.
Includes identification and sensitivity testing of significant isolates. Gram stains are not done on stools (WBC smear performed instead).
Used to isolate and identify etiologic agents of infectious process.
Performing Laboratory
St. Mary's Regional Medical Center-Microbiology
Specimen Requirements
Specimen must arrive within 2 hours of collection.
1. Submit 1 g of stool in a stool collection cup. Diarrheal stool specimen is best for culture. Any mucus or blood-tinged portions of the stool should be submitted for examination.
2. Label container with patient's name (first and last), hospital identification number or date of birth, date and time of collection, and source of specimen.
3. Causes for rejection:
A. Inadequately labeled specimen
B. Improper container
C. Insufficient specimen volume
Note:
1. Specimen source is required.
2. Only 1 specimen per 24 hours will be accepted.
3. Whenever possible, bacteriological examinations should be carried out before antibiotic therapy is instituted.
4. If Vibrio or Yersinia is requested, it must be ordered.
5. All stools are tested for Enterohemorragic E. coli and sent to reference lab if positive for confirmation.
Reference Values
Negative for Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Aeromonas and Plesiomonas.
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday