Bacteriaburncultorg4
A laboratory test that identifies specific bacteria causing infection in burn wounds to help doctors choose the most effective treatment.
{"This test identifies harmful bacteria growing in burn wounds","Results help doctors select the right antibiotic for treatment","Sample is collected from the burn wound, not blood","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete","Early identification of bacteria helps prevent serious infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17939-0
- Short code
- BCID4
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Burn Cult org #4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile culture swab in Amies or Stuart transport medium; or sterile screw-capped container for tissue/aspirate samples
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87045-87046 (culture with isolation); 87147 (identification if positive); additional CPT codes for susceptibility if indicated
- SNOMED
- 117005009
- Specimen volume
- Minimum: 1 swab or 1 mL of fluid; Optimal: 2 swabs or 2-3 mL of tissue/fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Do not freeze. Transport to laboratory as soon as possible.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bacteria Identified in Burn by Culture test is a laboratory procedure that collects a sample from a burn wound to identify what specific bacteria are causing an infection. When you have a burn injury, the damaged skin can become infected by various bacteria. This test helps doctors determine exactly which bacteria are present so they can prescribe the most appropriate treatment.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will gently swab or collect a small sample of tissue, fluid, or pus from the burn wound using a sterile cotton swab or collection tool. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special containers that allow bacteria to grow. The lab technicians observe which bacteria grow and perform additional tests to identify the exact type.
Why is this test important?
Burn wounds are particularly vulnerable to infections because the skin's protective barrier is damaged. Different bacteria require different antibiotics for effective treatment. This test helps your healthcare team: (1) Identify the exact cause of infection, (2) Choose the most effective antibiotic, (3) Determine if the infection is resistant to certain antibiotics, and (4) Monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
Reference range
No pathogenic bacterial growth (No growth of clinically significant organisms)N/A
Before initiating antibiotic therapy, if possible. The burn wound should be cleansed with sterile saline prior to specimen collection to reduce surface contaminants. Use sterile technique throughout collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens after the bacteria are identified?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What if no bacteria grow in the culture?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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