The majority of cases of paediatric gastroenteritis are viral, and even cases of bacterial or protozoal infection, are generally self-limiting.
Stool cultures should not be sent routinely.
Consider sending a stool sample for microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MC&S) if [1, 2]:
A sample should be sent if:
In the case of an outbreak, notify and act on the advice of the public health authorities as to what samples should be sent.