Rectal culture

Alternative Names: Culture - rectal

Rectal culture is a laboratory test to identify organisms in the rectum that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease.

Why is the Test Performed?

The test is performed if you have gastrointestinal distress and your doctor suspects that an infection of the rectum is the cause. It may be done when gonorrhea is suspected. It may also be done as an alternative to a fecal culture if it is not possible to get a specimen of feces.

The rectal culture may also be performed in a hospital or nursing home setting to see if someone carries vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) in their intestine, which can be spread to other patients.

How is the Test Performed?

A cotton swab is inserted into the rectum, rotated gently, and removed. A smear of the swab is placed in culture media to encourage the growth of bacteria and other organisms. The laboratory technician watches the culture for growth.

When growth is observed, the organisms can be identified. Further tests to determine the best treatment may also be done.

See also: Sensitivity analysis

Preparation for the Test

The health care provider does the rectal examination and collects the specimen.

How will the Test Feel?

There may be pressure as the swab is inserted into the rectum, but the test is usually not painful.

Rectal culture Risks

There are no risks.

Normal Results for Rectal culture

Finding organisms that are usually found in the body is normal and does not indicate disease.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may indicate an infection, such as bacterial or parasitic enterocolitis or gonorrhea. Sometimes a culture shows that the patient is a carrier, but does not necessarily have an infection.

See also: Proctitis

Rectal culture

Review Date: 5/4/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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