STOOL CULTURE

Stool, Rectal swab

• Specimen should reach the Microbiology Laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
• If delay in transportation cannot be avoided, specimens MUST BE stored at 2 to 8°C.

Culture

Negative:
“No Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Vibrio species isolated.”

Positive:
Identification of probable pathogen(s)

Negative: 2 – 3 days

Positive: 3 – 5 days*
*Depending on the number and type of organism(s) isolated

Daily

Specimens collected more than 72 hours after hospitalization may not be appropriate. 

Refer to General Specimen / Collection Guide