Understanding Your Laboratory Test: Why It Is Ordered, How the Sample Is Collected, and What to Expect
This test identifies and grows bacteria from a burn wound sample to help doctors determine the best antibiotic treatment for infection.
{"A sample is taken from your burn wound and sent to a laboratory for testing","The test identifies specific bacteria causing any infection","Results help doctors choose the most effective antibiotic treatment","Results typically take 2-5 days to become available","Early identification of bacteria helps prevent serious complications"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17941-6
- Short code
- BURNCUL6
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Burn Cult org #6
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile screw-cap transport container or Amies or Stuart's transport medium swab system for tissue/swab specimens; blood culture bottles are not appropriate for wound cultures.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87077
- SNOMED
- 441829007
- Specimen volume
- Burn wound tissue biopsy: 3-5 mm punch or excised tissue sample preferred; swab specimens: 1-2 swabs collected from viable wound bed; aspirate: 1-5 mL in sterile container.
- Stability
- Tissue and aspirate specimens: Room temperature 2 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 24 hours. Swab specimens in transport medium: Room temperature 2 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) up to 48 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why might my healthcare provider have ordered it for me?
The Bacteria Identified in Burn by Culture test is a laboratory examination that collects a sample from a burn wound to identify any bacteria present. When you have a burn injury, the damaged skin is vulnerable to infection. This test helps healthcare providers determine exactly what type of bacteria, if any, are causing an infection in your burn wound.
How is the sample for this test collected, and do I need to do anything special to prepare beforehand?
A healthcare professional will gently swab or collect a small tissue sample from the burn wound area. The sample is then placed in a special container and sent to the laboratory. In the lab, the sample is placed in conditions that allow any bacteria present to grow and multiply, making them easier to identify.
What happens after the test is complete, and when can I expect to receive my results?
Once bacteria grow in the laboratory, technicians can identify the specific type through various testing methods. The results are then sent to your doctor, who will use this information to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic if treatment is needed. This targeted approach is more effective than using general antibiotics.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Identification of organism #6 is reported by name with colony morphology, quantitation when applicable, and susceptibility profile.N/A
Do not apply topical antibiotics, antiseptics, or dressings to the burn wound for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection if clinically feasible. Cleanse wound surface with sterile saline prior to collection to reduce surface contaminants.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Burn wounds are particularly susceptible to infections because the skin's protective barrier has been damaged. Identifying the specific bacteria causing an infection allows doctors to prescribe targeted antibiotics rather than broad-spectrum medications. This approach is more effective, reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance, and helps prevent the infection from spreading to deeper tissues or into the bloodstream (sepsis). Early identification and appropriate treatment significantly improve healing outcomes for burn patients.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to do anything to prepare for this test?
What if no bacteria are found?
Will I need antibiotics after this test?
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