Important Note

See Algorithm below.ProMedica Laboratories recommends that clinicians follow Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Laboratory Testing for Infectious Causes of Diarrhea - for laboratory testing of acute diarrhea.  Stool culture is indicated in rare circumstances if using the algorithm, such as test of cure needed by the health department for return to daycare or work (for Shigella species), or if a cause of infectious diarrhea not in the panel is suspected. This information should be written on the requisition so the laboratory is aware of the special circumstances, and these Stool Cultures will be referred to a reference laboratory. Collection must be in a C&S transport vial.