Stool culture is a test to identify bacteria in patients with a suspected infection of the digestive tract. A sample of the patient's feces is placed in a special medium where bacteria is then grown. The bacteria that grow in the culture are identified using a microscope and biochemical tests.

Stool culture is used to identify bacteria or other germs in people with symptoms of stomach or intestinal infection, most often diarrhea. Identification of the organism is necessary to determine how to treat the patient's infection.

Stool culture is only performed if an infection of the digestive tract is suspected. The test has no harmful effects.

Stool culture also may be called fecal culture. To obtain a specimen for culture, the patient is asked to collect a stool sample into a special sterile container that may contain a solution. Specimens may need to be collected on...