Bacterial Culture from Aspirate (Specimen)
This test checks for the presence of bacteria in a fluid sample taken from a medical procedure, such as a joint or abscess drainage.
["It helps identify infections and guide treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43411-8
- Short code
- BACASP
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Aspirate Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives; sterile syringe with capped needle or dedicated anaerobic transport system for specimens requiring anaerobic culture
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 441902008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5-1 mL of aspirated fluid; volume as clinically feasible from collection site
- Stability
- Room temperature: deliver to laboratory within 2 hours of collection. If delay anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C (except for specimens requiring anaerobic culture, which should be kept at room temperature and processed within 2 hours).
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at a specific site—common signs of an infection. It’s also used to confirm infections in areas like joints, bones, or soft tissues where fluid is drained during procedures.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small sample of fluid (the 'aspirate') is collected via needle or catheter during a procedure. The sample is then sent to a lab where bacteria are grown on special media to identify any present.
How Long Until Results Are Available?
Results typically take 3–7 days, depending on the lab and whether specific bacteria are identified. Some labs may provide preliminary qualitative results sooner.
What If Bacteria Are Found?
If bacteria are detected, your doctor will determine the best antibiotic treatment based on the type of bacteria found. This helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics and ensures effective treatment.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Results reported as organism identified with antimicrobial susceptibility when clinically indicated.N/A
Aspirate specimens should be collected aseptically prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. The sampling site should be properly disinfected. For deep tissue or abscess aspirates, ultrasound or CT guidance may be utilized.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing localized infections, guiding targeted antibiotic therapy, and preventing complications like sepsis or chronic joint issues.
Short name
Aspirate Culture
Frequently asked questions
How painful is the procedure to collect the fluid sample?
What if I have a history of antibiotic resistance?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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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