What does a stool culture test primarily detect?

A stool culture test primarily detects bacteria or parasites that may be responsible for gastrointestinal infections. This test involves the analysis of a stool sample in a laboratory setting, where it is cultured on specific media that encourage the growth of these organisms. The goal is to find pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella, Shigella, or pathogenic strains of E. coli, as well as parasites like Giardia.

In the context of gastrointestinal health, identifying the specific pathogens that cause infections can lead to appropriate treatment decisions. This is essential for both managing symptoms and preventing further complications or transmission to others.

Stool cultures are not designed to identify viruses, which require different types of testing techniques. Allergens present in feces are typically evaluated through other methods rather than culture, and the detection of blood in the stool is also done through different tests, such as fecal occult blood tests. Thus, the focus of a stool culture remains squarely on bacteria and parasites, making it a critical tool in diagnosing gastrointestinal infections.