Culture and Sensitivity (Stool)

A culture is a test to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sensitivity test checks to see what kind of medicine, such as an antibiotic, will work best to treat the illness or infection.

.

If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that can cause infection grow, the culture is positive. The type of germ may be identified using a microscope or chemical tests. Sometimes other tests are done to find the right medicine for treating the infection. This is called sensitivity testing.

.

Normal results are negative. This means that no abnormal bacteria or other organisms were found in your stool culture and that you don't have an infection. Positive results mean bacteria, parasites, or other abnormal organisms were found in your stool culture. They may be causing your infection.