How to Test for Food Poisoning

How it Works

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to serious and last anywhere from a few hours to multiple days.  The most common signs include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.  These types of symptoms are common to a number of gastrointestinal illnesses.  If symptoms persist it may be helpful to order lab testing that can help to identify the source of the illness.

Is E. coli the same as food poisoning

Food poisoning is not a single condition but a variety of foodborne illnesses.  The source is usually germs or bacteria in something you ate or drank.  A person can get sick from consuming raw or undercooked foods or contaminated food or water.  In restaurants, foodborne Illnesses can be spread when food or drink is prepared by someone who has not properly washed their hands. Some of the most common pathogens that can cause food poisoning include, E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.  While these can cause similar symptoms, identifying the source of the illness will ensure the most effective treatment.

What to do if you think you have food poisoning

If you think the source of the food poisoning is a restaurant that you recently ate at or a store where you purchased food, there are several things you can do.  While your first instinct may be to contact the establishment, it is usually recommended to go through official channels.  If you are seriously ill, contact your doctor.  You can report the illness to your local county or city health department.  You can also contact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

How do you test for food poisoning?

Most cases of food poisoning resolve themselves quickly.  If the symptoms persist for more than a few days, lab testing can help to identify the illness.  Most foodborne conditions can be identified with stool testing.  This type of testing looks for bacteria or other organisms in a stool sample to see what is making you sick.  Request A Test makes it easy to order your own stool lab testing.  We offer a stool culture test that looks for some of the most common foodborne pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter.  We also have a selection of other stool tests to meet your needs.  Our menu includes hundreds of other blood and urine lab tests.  You can take charge of your health by ordering your own lab testing. To get started, visit us online or call our team at 888-732-2348.

Why Choose Us?

• Since 2002, we have had a proven track record of offering excellent customer service, affordable pricing with no hidden fees, and our enduring commitment to protecting your personal information.
• No doctor's order? (No problem!) Our national physician network provides the required doctor's orders for the lab. Insurance is not needed to order lab testing nor will your insurance company be billed.
• We are partnered with two of the largest CLIA-certified labs in the US, to offer you the latest lab testing technology with prompt and accurate results. (These are the same labs used by hospitals and physicians.)
• With over 3,600 lab locations to choose from and same-day collection, we make lab testing quick and convenient. No appointment is needed. Find your local lab with our location finder.
• We offer an extensive and detailed test menu. Ordering can be done online or over the phone. Not finding a test? Simply give us a call.

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