How to Test for Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonellosis, also known as salmonella poisoning, is a common intestinal disease that afflicts humans due to the consumption of contaminated food products. Although the salmonella bacteria that cause salmonella poisoning are primarily animal borne and are frequently associated with chicken and raw eggs, fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated if they are not properly washed and/or cooked. Although there is no cure, salmonella poisoning is a self-limiting disease. Most people recover completely within a week. If symptoms persist longer you should seek medical care, including being tested for salmonella poisoning.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider the symptoms. Salmonella poisoning usually exhibits symptoms within three days of eating contaminated food. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever but may also include chills, headache, nausea and vomiting.

• 2

  Consider the prevalence of the outbreak. Salmonella usually affects the majority of people who consumed the same contaminated food.

• 3

  Consider the time frame. Salmonella poisoning is usually a self-limiting disease that will run its course in four to seven days. Most patients make a full recovery at the end of that time.

• 4

  Submit a stool sample to your health care provider for testing. Laboratory tests can confirm the presence of salmonella bacteria in the stools and can further determine the specific type of salmonella bacteria.

• 5

  Go to your health care provider to have a blood sample drawn and analyzed. Salmonella bacteria that have passed from the intestines into the bloodstream (a much more serious condition) can be detected through blood tests.