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Stool culture

Stool tests · also printed as Stool MC&S, Faeces culture, Stool microscopy and culture, Faecal culture, Stool for culture

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: No pathogens isolated

No pathogens isolated is the expected result.

What this test measures

A stool culture grows bacteria from a sample to identify the common causes of infectious diarrhoea, such as Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Why doctors request it

Requested for diarrhoea lasting more than a few days, after travel, or when there is blood in the stool.

What commonly pushes it up

A gut infection

What commonly pushes it down

No pathogens is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Many viral infections are not detected by culture
A sample sent late may miss the organism

About the sample

A fresh sample in the lab pot.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.