What it measures
A stool sample is grown in the lab to look for bacteria that cause gut infections, such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella. Some labs now use a DNA-based test for the same bacteria.
Why people test it
- Tested when diarrhoea lasts more than a few days, has blood in it, or follows travel abroad.
- Checked after suspected food poisoning, or when several people who ate together are ill.
Typical range
Reported by naming any infection-causing bacteria found, or as none isolated. Methods vary between labs, and your report shows how the lab reads the result.
Finger-prick or vein?
A stool sample in a pot, not blood. Offered as a kit only.