Should I report this?

Some pathogens are reportable to public health, and identifying a cluster protects other people. We handle reporting where required.

How long does food poisoning last?

Most cases resolve in a few days. Beyond a week, think parasite — see this.

Do I need antibiotics?

Frequently not, and sometimes they are contraindicated. That is exactly why identification matters.

Food Poisoning: What Made You Sick, and Does It Need Treatment?

Medically reviewed by our MD Laboratory Director (a role required by CLIA; the director's name is on file in the CMS CLIA database, #45D2048957, and can be verified independently) · Editorial policy

Molecular fluorescence imaging — Auspicious Laboratory, Houston

"Food poisoning" is six different diseases. One of them must not be given antibiotics.CLIA #45D2048957 · CAP #8722734 · Same-day results · Walk-ins welcome

People say "food poisoning" as if it were one condition. It is not: Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, STEC, norovirus and Staph aureus toxin all produce overlapping symptoms and require completely different responses. A molecular panel identifies which one, the same afternoon — including the one where an antibiotic increases the risk of kidney failure.

Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808

3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome

Same symptoms, opposite management

Pathogen	Typical clue	Direction (physician decides)
Norovirus	Explosive vomiting, cruise ships, families	Supportive. Antibiotics do nothing
Salmonella	Poultry, eggs, reptiles	Often not treated in healthy adults
Campylobacter	Undercooked poultry	Treated in selected cases
Shigella	Person-to-person; bloody	Often treated, per IDSA
STEC	Bloody, often afebrile	Avoid antibiotics — HUS risk

Go to an emergency department, not a lab, if you have: bloody diarrhea with fever, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, a rigid abdomen, or you are an infant, elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised and deteriorating.

We name drugs, never doses. Treatment statements follow ACG, AGA, IDSA and CDC guidance; dose and duration are a physician's decision.

Same day, start to finish. Sample by 1:00 PM → results at 4:30 PM → if treatment is clinically appropriate, a licensed physician in our partner network sees you between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, a few minutes away. That window is reserved for patients tested here, and your slot is held the moment we take your sample — the slot is held, not hunted. On your own, a same-day appointment is nearly impossible; at an urgent care, you wait in the queue. STAT: ~2 hours, sample in by 3:00 PM.

FAQ

Should I report this?: Some pathogens are reportable to public health, and identifying a cluster protects other people. We handle reporting where required.
How long does food poisoning last?: Most cases resolve in a few days. Beyond a week, think parasite — see this.
Do I need antibiotics?: Frequently not, and sometimes they are contraindicated. That is exactly why identification matters.
How fast is the result?: Same day at 4:30 PM.

Not sure what you need? Text us and we will set it up.
📱 Text (713) 832-8892 📞 Call (713) 266-0808

3707 Westcenter Dr Suite 100, Houston, TX 77042 · Walk-ins welcome

References

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