What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sudden watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, or nausea after eating something that may have been contaminated. It helps identify whether a specific strain of E. coli called O157:H7 is causing your symptoms. This strain is linked to food poisoning outbreaks and can occasionally lead to more serious kidney problems if not caught early.

What's included in this test?

This test looks specifically for Escherichia coli O157, a bacteria strain that produces toxins capable of damaging the digestive system and, in rare cases, the kidneys. Culturing the stool sample lets the lab confirm whether this particular strain is present, which matters because it's more likely than other E. coli types to cause serious illness.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, next steps usually include staying hydrated, resting, and avoiding anti-diarrheal medications until symptoms improve, since those can sometimes make things worse with this type of infection. A downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can track any retests over time using the trends feature. If you notice severe symptoms like little to no urination, extreme fatigue, or blood in your urine, seek medical care right away.

How can I naturally support recovery from a stomach infection?

While you wait for results or recover from a mild case, staying well hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks is one of the most helpful things you can do. Eating bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and toast can ease stomach irritation. Getting plenty of rest helps your body fight off the infection, and washing your hands frequently prevents spreading it to others.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days, since a stool culture needs time in the lab for any bacteria to grow and be identified. You'll get a notification once your results are posted to your account. If your symptoms are severe, don't wait for results to seek care.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with sudden, severe, or bloody diarrhea, especially after eating undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, or raw produce, should consider this test. It's also useful if you've been part of a suspected food poisoning outbreak, such as after eating at a restaurant or event where others got sick too. People with diarrhea lasting more than a few days without improvement may also want to test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watery or bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes a low fever are the classic signs to watch for. Symptoms usually start a few days after eating contaminated food. If diarrhea is severe, doesn't improve, or comes with signs of dehydration, testing can help pinpoint the cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the O157 strain of E. coli was found in your stool sample and is likely the cause of your symptoms. Most healthy adults recover on their own within about a week with rest and fluids. In rare cases, especially in young children or older adults, this infection can lead to kidney complications, so watching for worsening symptoms is important.

What causes an E. coli O157 infection?

This infection usually comes from eating undercooked ground beef, drinking unpasteurized milk or juice, or eating produce that's been contaminated with animal waste. It can also spread through contact with infected people or animals, or from swimming in contaminated water. Practicing good food safety and handwashing habits are the best ways to lower your risk.

What should I do if my results are positive?

Focus on hydration, rest, and avoiding anti-diarrheal medicines, which can slow your body's ability to clear the toxin. Avoid preparing food for others until your symptoms fully resolve to prevent spreading the infection. If symptoms worsen, especially reduced urination, severe fatigue, or blood in urine, seek medical care immediately.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

E. coli O157 Culture Test - Food Poisoning Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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