Purpose
To standardize processing and culture of stool culture.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Selective and differential culture systems support recovery and differentiation of enteric pathogens while specimen quality and clinical information guide work-up.
Specimen / Test Material
Fresh stool or appropriate rectal specimen collected in an approved container or transport system.
Equipment and Materials
- Appropriate validated culture media
- Inoculating equipment
- Incubation system
- Identification reagents or system
- AST materials where indicated
Procedure
- Verify specimen identity and suitability.
- Inoculate appropriate validated media.
- Incubate using organism- and method-specific conditions.
- Examine for significant colony types.
- Identify suspected pathogens using validated procedures.
- Perform AST when indicated.
- Report significant findings according to policy.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Use validated media and controls; monitor selective media performance.
Reporting
Report clinically significant findings, relevant negative results and limitations according to laboratory policy.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.