Lab test · Microbiology
Stool Culture and Sensitivity
Gut infection & right antibiotic
- Stool sample
- No fasting
- Report within 3 days
- Home collection
What this test is for
Gut infection & right antibiotic
A stool culture grows bacteria from a sample of stool to find out whether a bacterial infection is causing diarrhoea. It can identify germs such as Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Vibrio cholerae, which causes cholera. If a cause is found, a sensitivity test shows which antibiotics are likely to work, helping your doctor choose treatment.
Why a doctor may order it
- Diarrhoea with blood or mucus
- Severe diarrhoea with a high fever
- Diarrhoea that has not settled after several days
- Suspected food poisoning, or an outbreak in a household or group
- When diarrhoea has not improved with a first antibiotic
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
There is no need to fast. If possible, the sample should be collected before antibiotics are started, as they can stop the bacteria growing in the laboratory. Do not stop or skip an antibiotic you have already been prescribed without talking to your doctor, but do tell them you are taking it.
At home
- Sample
- Stool sample
- How it works
- Collect a small amount of fresh stool in the clean container provided, choosing any part with blood or mucus if present, and keeping it free of urine and toilet water. Close the lid tightly and hand the container to the collector promptly.
- Report
- Within 3 days of collection.
What the results can mean
If a harmful bacterium grows, the report names it and lists the antibiotics it is sensitive or resistant to. No growth of harmful bacteria means none were found, which is common because most diarrhoea is caused by viruses. Your doctor will interpret the result and decide whether an antibiotic is needed at all.
What's included
One test: Stool Culture and Sensitivity, from one stool sample.
Related tests
- Stool Routine Examination (Stool R/E)Gut infection & worms৳100
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Blood Culture and SensitivityA blood culture checks for bacteria or yeasts in the bloodstream.
- Serum ElectrolytesThis test measures sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate in your blood.
- Helicobacter pylori Antibody Test (IgG)Stomach ulcer germ (H. pylori)৳750
Questions people ask
Does all diarrhoea need a stool culture?
No. Most diarrhoea is caused by viruses or mild food upsets and settles on its own. Stool culture is used when there is blood, high fever, severe illness or diarrhoea that lasts longer than expected.
What does sensitivity mean on a stool culture report?
It shows which antibiotics stopped the bacteria growing in the laboratory. This helps your doctor choose a medicine that is likely to work and avoid ones that will not.
What are the warning signs of dehydration with diarrhoea?
Passing very little urine, a dry mouth, sunken eyes, dizziness, unusual sleepiness or, in babies, fewer wet nappies are warning signs. Seek urgent medical help if these appear.
How much does a Stool C/S test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳450, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Stool C/S test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the stool sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Stool C/S report take?
The report is usually ready within 3 days of the sample being collected.