What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, or bloody stools that could indicate food poisoning or an intestinal infection. It helps identify whether Salmonella or Shigella bacteria are causing your symptoms, which is especially important if you've recently eaten questionable food, traveled internationally, or have symptoms lasting more than a few days. Many people use this test to get concrete answers about persistent digestive issues so they can receive proper treatment.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether Salmonella or Shigella bacteria were detected and what that means for your gastrointestinal health. These notes include personalized recommendations such as hydration strategies, dietary modifications during recovery, and when to seek medical treatment if needed. You'll also get the standard lab report, and can use our trends feature to track your health if you need follow-up testing to confirm the infection has cleared.

What's included in this test?

This test detects Salmonella and Shigella bacteria through a specialized stool culture. This test uses a specialized stool culture to detect the presence of Salmonella and Shigella bacteria in your digestive system. These are two of the most common bacterial causes of food poisoning and intestinal infections, often contracted through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. The culture method can accurately identify these specific harmful bacteria even when other intestinal bacteria are present, helping guide appropriate treatment decisions.

How should I prepare for this test?

You must take your order to Quest to pick up the Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium before collecting your sample. Collect your stool sample in a clean, dry container, then transfer at least 1 gram or 1 mL into the Cary-Blair transport vial until the fluid level reaches the line marked on the vial. Return the sample to the lab as soon as possible at room temperature for accurate results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone with severe or persistent diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, especially if accompanied by fever, bloody stools, or severe abdominal cramping. It's particularly important for people who recently traveled to countries with poor sanitation, attended events with potential food contamination, work in food service or childcare, or have weakened immune systems. Healthcare providers may also recommend this test during outbreak investigations.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Key symptoms include sudden onset of watery or bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps, fever above 101°F, nausea and vomiting, and signs of dehydration like excessive thirst or dark urine. You may also experience urgency to have bowel movements, mucus in stools, or feeling generally unwell with body aches. If symptoms started within hours to days after eating potentially contaminated food or during/after travel, this test can help identify the cause.

How can I support my recovery from a bacterial intestinal infection?

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast once you can tolerate food again. Get plenty of rest to help your immune system fight the infection, and practice excellent hand hygiene to prevent spreading bacteria to others. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until your symptoms completely resolve.

What are Salmonella and Shigella and why do they matter?

Salmonella and Shigella are types of bacteria that infect your intestines and cause food poisoning and severe diarrheal illness. Salmonella is commonly found in contaminated poultry, eggs, and produce, while Shigella spreads through person-to-person contact and contaminated food or water. Both can cause serious dehydration and complications if left untreated, especially in young children, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems, which is why accurate identification is important.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means Salmonella or Shigella bacteria were detected in your stool sample, confirming a bacterial intestinal infection. This explains your symptoms and helps your healthcare provider determine whether antibiotic treatment is necessary or if supportive care alone is sufficient. Most infections resolve on their own with proper hydration and rest, but some cases require antibiotics, especially in severe infections or high-risk individuals.

How long does it take to recover and when should I retest?

Most people recover from Salmonella or Shigella infections within 5-7 days with proper hydration and rest, though some may take up to two weeks. Your healthcare provider may recommend retesting after treatment if you work in food service or childcare to confirm you're no longer carrying the bacteria. Some people can remain carriers for weeks after symptoms resolve, so a follow-up culture may be needed to ensure you're no longer contagious before returning to certain activities.

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.

Food Poisoning Test - Salmonella & Shigella 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

[email protected]

Stool Test for Food Poisoning and Diarrhea

Salmonella and Shigella, Culture

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

How should I prepare for this test?

What's included in this test?

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Stool Test for Food Poisoning and Diarrhea

90 day happiness guarantee

Prescription & fees included

Easy to understand results

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say