What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloody stools, or suspected food poisoning. It helps identify specific harmful bacteria causing your gut infection, including Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and dangerous E. coli strains. Many people use this test when they have persistent digestive symptoms after eating contaminated food or suspect they've caught a bacterial infection.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining which bacteria, if any, were found and what that means for your digestive health. These notes include personalized recommendations like hydration strategies, dietary modifications, when antibiotics might be needed, or whether you should follow up with a gastroenterologist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your gut health over time using our trends feature, especially helpful if you have recurring digestive issues.

What's included in this test?

This test includes stool culture for Salmonella and Shigella bacteria, Campylobacter enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and Shiga toxin screening with reflex to E. coli O157 culture if positive. This comprehensive stool culture panel tests for multiple dangerous bacteria that cause food poisoning and gut infections. It screens for Salmonella and Shigella (common causes of traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning), uses an enzyme immunoassay to detect Campylobacter (often from undercooked poultry), and tests for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli including the dangerous O157 strain. Together, these tests identify the specific cause of your symptoms so you can get the right treatment.

How should I prepare for this test?

You'll need to pick up a Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium from Quest before collecting your sample. Collect your stool in a clean, dry container, then transfer at least 1 gram or 1 mL into the Cary-Blair vial until the fluid reaches the line marked on the vial. Keep the sample refrigerated or frozen and return it to the lab as soon as possible for accurate results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is important for anyone experiencing severe or bloody diarrhea, especially after eating potentially contaminated food or traveling. It's particularly valuable if you have persistent stomach cramps, fever with diarrhea, or if multiple family members are sick with similar symptoms. Healthcare workers, food handlers, and people with weakened immune systems should also consider this test when experiencing digestive symptoms.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for severe watery or bloody diarrhea, intense stomach cramps or abdominal pain, fever above 101°F with digestive symptoms, and nausea or vomiting lasting more than a day. You should also consider this test if you have persistent diarrhea lasting more than three days, recently ate raw or undercooked meat or eggs, or if you've been around others with confirmed food poisoning.

How can I support my gut health during a bacterial infection?

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, toast, and applesauce once you can tolerate food. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until symptoms resolve. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt can help restore healthy gut bacteria once the acute infection passes.

What do Salmonella and Shigella infections mean?

Salmonella and Shigella are bacteria that cause similar symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Salmonella typically comes from contaminated eggs, poultry, or produce, while Shigella spreads through person-to-person contact or contaminated water. Both can cause severe illness, especially in young children, elderly adults, or people with weakened immune systems, and sometimes require antibiotic treatment.

What does a positive result for Shiga toxin mean?

A positive Shiga toxin result indicates infection with dangerous E. coli bacteria (like O157:H7) that produce harmful toxins in your gut. This can cause severe bloody diarrhea and, in some cases, lead to serious complications like kidney damage, especially in children. If detected, you'll need close medical monitoring, aggressive hydration, and immediate follow-up care, though antibiotics are typically avoided as they may worsen toxin release.

How is Campylobacter infection different from other food poisoning?

Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of food poisoning, usually from undercooked chicken or contaminated water. It typically causes watery or bloody diarrhea, cramping, and fever that can last a week or more. Unlike some other food poisoning bacteria, Campylobacter infections sometimes lead to temporary complications like joint pain or, rarely, nerve problems, making proper identification and monitoring important.

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 - Bacterial Gut Infection 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 Stomach Infection

Salmonella/Shigella Cult, Campy EIA and Shiga Toxin reflex E.coli O157 Cult

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 Stomach Infection

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