Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) from Specified Specimen
This test helps identify bacteria present in your body and determines how they respond to antibiotics. It’s used to guide treatment when infections are suspected.
["A bacterial culture helps pinpoint infections and choose the right antibiotics for you."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52966-9
- Short code
- ANALCULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Anal Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile culturette swab with transport medium (Amies or Stuart's); or sterile screw-capped container for stool/scrapings
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87045
- SNOMED
- 58649008
- Specimen volume
- Adequate visible material on swab tip or 1-2 g of specimen in container
- Stability
- Room temperature: deliver to laboratory within 2 hours. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C and process within 24 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Bacterial Culture Test?
A bacterial culture involves growing bacteria from a sample you provide (such as blood, urine, or other bodily fluids) in a lab. This allows doctors to identify the type of bacteria causing an infection and check how well it responds to different antibiotics. The test may also include sensitivity testing to find the most effective medication.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll provide a sample (e.g., blood, urine, or swab) depending on the suspected infection site. The sample is sent to a lab, where bacteria are grown on special media over several days. Results are typically ready within 2–5 days, though some may take longer.
When Might You Need This Test?
Doctors order a bacterial culture when infections like urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, or skin infections are suspected. It’s also used before starting antibiotics to confirm the cause of an infection.
What Happens After the Test?
Results may show no bacteria (negative), the presence of specific bacteria (positive), or both. Sensitivity results indicate which antibiotics are most effective against the identified bacteria. Follow your doctor’s advice based on these findings.
Reference range
No pathogenic bacteria isolated. Normal flora includes mixed aerobic and anaerobic gastrointestinal commensals.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid use of topical antibiotics, hemorrhoidal creams, suppositories, enemas, douches, or antiseptic cleansers in the anorectal area for at least 48 to 72 hours prior to specimen collection. Discontinue systemic antibiotics only with consulting physician approval.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Bacterial Culture
Frequently asked questions
Why did my doctor order this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take antibiotics before getting tested?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy