Food Poisoning and Safe Food Handling - Exams and Tests
Most food poisoning is mild and passes in a few days, so most people do not go to a doctor for a diagnosis. You can often diagnose food poisoning yourself if others who ate the same food as you also become ill.
If you do go to your doctor, he or she will make the diagnosis based on your symptoms, a physical exam, and your medical history. Your doctor will ask where you have been eating and whether anyone who ate the same food has the same symptoms.
Understanding Food Poisoning -- Prevention
Always wash your hands before preparing any food; wash utensils with hot soapy water after using them to prepare any meat or fish. Don't thaw frozen meat at room temperature. Let meat thaw gradually in a refrigerator, or thaw it quickly in a microwave oven and cook immediately. Avoid uncooked marinated food and raw meat, fish, or eggs; cook all such food thoroughly. Check expiration dates on all foods. In restaurants, return any undercooked meat or egg products for further cooking...
Read the Understanding Food Poisoning -- Prevention article > >
Sometimes the following tests are done.
- A stool culture may be done if your doctor suspects that you have eaten contaminated food, your symptoms are severe, or the diagnosis is uncertain.
- Blood tests may be done to help find out whether the food poisoning is caused by bacteria or to rule out other causes. A complete blood count and a chemistry screen can help show whether you are severely ill or dehydrated.
- If you are pregnant or have an impaired immune system and have been exposed to toxoplasmosis, you may need a toxoplasmosis test. For more information, see the topic Toxoplasmosis During Pregnancy.
Your doctor may need to report your condition to the health department. This is done to help the government track the condition and identify possible outbreaks.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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