Bacterial Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Test (with Specific Organism Identification)
This test checks for the presence of bacteria in your sample and determines which antibiotics could effectively treat any found infection.
["Identifies bacteria and potential treatment options for infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90270-0
- Short code
- BILECUL
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bifl Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container (preferred) or aerobic blood culture bottle; transport medium acceptable if delay in processing
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 43691000
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL of bile fluid; larger volumes (5-10 mL) preferred for optimal pathogen recovery
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours. If delay exceeds 24 hours, consider inoculation into blood culture bottles for enhanced organism viability.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Your sample (likely blood, urine, or other bodily fluid) is examined for microbial growth. If bacteria are detected, the test also assesses how they respond to various antibiotics, helping guide treatment decisions.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to diagnose infections caused by bacteria, such as urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, or wound infections, and to choose the most effective antibiotic therapy.
Sample Collection and Process
A small amount of your bodily fluid or tissue is collected and sent to a lab. The sample is cultured to grow bacteria, if present, over several days. Antibiotics are then tested to see which ones inhibit bacterial growth.
Preparation and Care
No special preparation is usually needed unless your doctor specifies. Follow any instructions they provide, such as avoiding certain medications or activities before testing.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal biliary flora is typically absent. Results reported as organism identification with quantitation when clinically relevant.N/A
Patient should be fasting for at least 8 hours prior to bile fluid collection. Discontinue antibacterial agents, if possible, 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection unless clinically contraindicated. Specimen should be collected prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for guiding antibiotic treatment by confirming the presence of bacteria and identifying the most effective drugs to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure successful recovery.
Short name
Bacteria Culture & Sensitivity
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I take antibiotics before this test?
What if no bacteria are found?
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