How to take a stool culture
Stool culture is a common medical test used to diagnose intestinal infections, parasitic infections, or other digestive tract disorders. Proper sampling methods are critical to the accuracy of test results. Below is a detailed guide to taking stool culture samples, including steps, considerations, and frequently asked questions.
1. Steps of Stool Culture Sampling
1.Preparation: Before taking samples, make sure your hands are clean and prepare the special sampling containers provided by the hospital.
2.Sampling time: It is best to take samples during defecation in the morning to avoid urine or other impurities contaminating the sample.
3.Sampling method: Use a sampling spoon or special tool to take a small amount of samples (about the size of a soybean) from different parts of the stool and put them into a container.
4.Sealing and sending for inspection: After sealing the container, send it for inspection as soon as possible (usually required to be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours).
2. Precautions
1.avoid contamination: Avoid contact with urine, water or other foreign matter when taking samples.
2.sample size: The sample size should not be too much or too little, usually 5-10 grams is appropriate.
3.Special groups: Infants, young children or people with limited mobility need to be assisted by medical staff in taking samples.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does stool culture require fasting? | Fasting is not required, but avoid high-fiber or stimulating foods. |
| How long does it take to send the sample for inspection? | It is recommended to submit the test within 2 hours, otherwise the test results may be affected. |
| What diseases can a stool culture detect? | Can detect bacterial enteritis, parasitic infections, etc. |
4. Clinical application of stool culture
Stool culture is mainly used to diagnose the following diseases:
| disease type | common pathogens |
|---|---|
| bacterial enteritis | Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli |
| parasitic infection | Amoeba, roundworm, hookworm |
| fungal infection | Candida albicans |
5. Limitations of stool culture
1.Detection time: It usually takes 3-7 days to get results.
2.False negative possible: Certain pathogens may be missed due to improper sampling or delayed delivery.
3.specificity: Some pathogens need to be further confirmed in combination with other detection methods (such as PCR).
6. How to improve the accuracy of stool culture
1.multiple sampling: For suspected chronic infection, multiple sampling tests are recommended.
2.Combining symptoms: Doctors need to make a comprehensive judgment based on the patient’s clinical symptoms and other examination results.
3.Standardized operations: Strictly follow the sampling requirements of the hospital or laboratory.
Summary
Stool culture is an important means of diagnosing intestinal infection, but the standardization of sampling methods directly affects the test results. Patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and submit samples for testing as soon as possible after taking samples. If in doubt, please consult a medical professional.
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