Salmonella Culture, Feces
Use
This test is useful for determining whether Salmonella species may be the cause of diarrhea. It is particularly applicable for assessing diarrhea through reflexive testing from nucleic acid amplification test-positive feces. It is generally not recommended for patients hospitalized for more than 3 days, as the likelihood of identifying a new pathogen is low. The test provides evidence of the presence of Salmonella species in feces and can isolate these bacteria for antibacterial susceptibility testing or submission to a health department. Reporting of all confirmed or suspected cases of salmonellosis to local health departments is required.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The yield of Salmonella species is reduced if there is a delay in specimen transit to the laboratory, specifically more than two hours for unpreserved specimens. Enteric pathogens, including Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovars Paratyphi B and C, are not specifically tested for.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
Salmonella species
Microorganism
LOINC Codes
- 20955-1 - Salmonella Stl Cult
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
Representative portion of fecal specimen
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
Commercially available transport system specific for recovery of enteric pathogens from fecal specimens
Collection Instructions
Collect fresh feces and submit 1 gram or 5 mL in container with transport medium. Place feces in preservative within 2 hours of collection, then place vial in a sealed plastic bag.
Patient Preparation
Patient should not use barium or bismuth for 7 to 10 days before specimen collection.
Causes for Rejection
Unpreserved feces, ECOFIX preservative, Formalin or PVA fixative
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 4 days |
| Refrigerated | 4 days |