What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing severe diarrhea (especially bloody diarrhea), stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting after eating potentially contaminated food. It helps identify Shiga toxin-producing bacteria like E. coli O157:H7, which can cause serious foodborne illness requiring prompt medical attention. Many people use this test when they suspect food poisoning that's more severe than typical stomach upset.

What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining whether harmful bacterial toxins were detected and what this means for your health. These notes include specific guidance on hydration needs, when to seek immediate medical care, and dietary recommendations during recovery. You'll also get the standard lab report, and if bacterial infection is confirmed, your doctor can use this information to guide appropriate treatment and prevent complications.

What's included in this test?

This test measures Shiga toxins and, if positive, performs reflex testing for E. coli O157:H7 culture. This test screens for Shiga toxins, which are dangerous poisons produced by certain E. coli bacteria that cause severe intestinal damage and bloody diarrhea. If Shiga toxins are detected, the lab automatically performs a culture to specifically identify E. coli O157:H7, the most common strain causing serious food poisoning outbreaks. Together, these tests provide crucial information to diagnose potentially life-threatening infections that require monitoring for complications like kidney damage.

How should I prepare for this test?

You must take the order to Quest to pick up Cary-Blair stool culture transport medium or C&S transport medium. Collect your stool sample in a clean, dry container, then transfer at least 1 gram or 1 mL into the provided transport medium until the fluid reaches the line on the vial. Refrigerate the sample and return it to the lab as soon as possible for accurate results.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is essential for anyone experiencing severe or bloody diarrhea, especially after eating at restaurants, consuming undercooked meat, or during known food poisoning outbreaks. It's particularly important for young children, elderly adults, or people with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for serious complications. Healthcare providers often order this test when symptoms are severe or persist beyond typical stomach flu.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Key warning signs include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, persistent vomiting, and diarrhea lasting more than three days. You should also consider this test if you have symptoms of dehydration (decreased urination, extreme thirst, dizziness), fever above 102°F, or if multiple people who shared a meal are experiencing similar symptoms. These signs suggest a more serious bacterial infection rather than typical viral gastroenteritis.

What is Shiga toxin and why does it matter?

Shiga toxin is a dangerous poison produced by certain bacteria, most commonly E. coli O157:H7, that damages the lining of your intestines and can harm your kidneys. Unlike typical food poisoning that resolves on its own, Shiga toxin can cause life-threatening complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which leads to kidney failure, especially in children and elderly adults. Early detection allows doctors to monitor you closely and prevent serious complications through proper supportive care.

What should I do if my results are positive?

If Shiga toxin or E. coli O157 is detected, it's crucial to follow your doctor's instructions carefully and stay well-hydrated with water and electrolyte solutions. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications as they can worsen the infection, and do not take antibiotics unless specifically prescribed, as they may increase toxin release. Your doctor will monitor you for complications, especially kidney function, and provide specific guidance on when to seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.

How can I prevent E. coli and food poisoning?

Cook ground beef and other meats to safe internal temperatures (160°F for ground beef), and always use a food thermometer. Wash hands thoroughly before handling food, avoid cross-contamination between raw meat and other foods, and wash fruits and vegetables carefully. Avoid unpasteurized milk, juice, or cider, and don't swallow water when swimming in lakes or pools, as these can also transmit E. coli.

When should I seek emergency medical care?

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of severe dehydration (no urination for 12+ hours, extreme weakness, confusion), blood in your stool increases, you develop a high fever that won't come down, or if you experience decreased urination with swelling. These can be signs of serious complications like kidney damage or severe dehydration that require hospitalization and intensive monitoring, especially important for young children and elderly individuals.

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 - Detect E. coli & Shiga Toxins

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 Bacterial Infection

Shiga Toxins, EIA with Reflex to E. coli O157, 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 Bacterial 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