A stool culture is a lab test that tries to grow bacteria from a stool sample. It helps find harmful germs that may be causing a gut infection. The stool culture test places your stool sample in conditions that let bacteria grow, so the lab can identify any disease-causing germs and, if needed, check which antibiotics work against them.

Before the Test

Collect the sample in the clean container provided and avoid mixing it with urine or water.

Tell your doctor about recent travel, antibiotics, and your symptoms.

Try to give the sample before starting antibiotics.

During the Test

A trained Orange Health Labs professional will collect your sample during the visit.

Follow the instructions given to you at the time of collection.

The sample is labelled and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Let the collection team know if you feel unwell during the procedure.

It is recommended:

To find the cause of diarrhoea that is severe, bloody, or long-lasting.

To identify a bacterial gut infection.

To guide the right antibiotic treatment.

To check for infection after travel or a suspected food-borne illness.

When you have a gut infection your doctor wants to identify any bacterial infection It is best to collect the sample before starting antibiotics, if possible.