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 This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
Rectal cultureDefinitionRectal culture is a laboratory test to identify organisms in the rectum that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and disease. Alternative NamesCulture - rectal How the Test is PerformedA 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 How to Prepare for the TestThe health care provider does the rectal examination and collects the specimen. How the Test Will FeelThere may be pressure as the swab is inserted into the rectum, but the test is usually not painful. Why the Test is PerformedThe 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. Normal ResultsFinding 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 MeanAbnormal 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 RisksThere are no risks. ReferencesHandsfield HH, Sparling PF. Gonococcal infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 322.
Review Date:
11/2/2008 Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, CA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. 
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