It generally takes about 1 to 3 days to get the results back from a stool sample test. However, the exact timing can vary depending on the type of test being conducted and what conditions or infections are being checked for. Some specialized tests, such as those looking for infections or cultures, might take a few days longer, sometimes up to 4 days or more. For bowel cancer screening stool tests, results typically come back within 1 to 2 weeks, occasionally up to 4 weeks. In summary:
- Routine stool test results: 1 to 3 days
- Stool culture for bacteria: 24 to 48 hours or up to 3-4 days
- Bowel cancer screening stool test (FIT/FOBT): about 2 weeks (can range up to 4 weeks)
This time frame covers the period from sample reception at the lab to the reporting of results to the patient or doctor.
