Understanding Your Medical Test: A Patient Guide to What the Test Is, How It Is Done, and Why It May Be Recommended
This test identifies and grows bacteria from a catheter tip to diagnose infections related to the catheter.
{"The test cultures bacteria from the tip of a catheter that has been removed from the body","It helps determine if a catheter is the source of an infection","Results identify the specific bacteria causing the infection","Results help doctors choose the most effective antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105607-6
- Short code
- CATHBC3
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Cath Tip Aerobe Cult org #3
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, screw-capped container or sterile transport tube. Submit catheter tip segment (approximately 5 cm of the intracardiac or intravascular portion) in a sterile container without preservative. For short peripheral catheters, submit the entire catheter tip.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87081
- SNOMED
- 395142006
- Specimen volume
- 5 cm segment of catheter tip (minimum); entire catheter tip for short peripheral catheters
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Do not freeze. Specimens should be processed as soon as possible after collection to maximize recovery of viable organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a diagnostic procedure that helps your healthcare provider gather important information about your health. By examining samples or using specialized equipment, the test can detect, confirm, or rule out medical conditions so that you and your care team can make well-informed decisions about your treatment and follow-up care.
A catheter tip culture is a laboratory test that checks for bacterial growth on the tip of a catheter that has been removed from your body. The catheter tip is placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow (culture). This helps identify if bacteria are present and what type they are.
How the test is performed depends on the specific type ordered by your doctor, but most procedures are simple and take only a short time. A trained healthcare professional may collect a small sample, such as blood or urine, or use imaging equipment, and you will receive clear instructions on how to prepare and what to expect during your visit.
When your doctor removes the catheter, the tip is carefully cut off and sent to the laboratory in a sterile container. In the lab, the tip is placed on growth media and incubated to allow any bacteria present to multiply. If bacteria grow, further tests are done to identify the specific type.
Your doctor may recommend this test to investigate symptoms you have been experiencing, to monitor an ongoing condition, or as part of a routine health checkup. The results can help identify potential health problems early, guide treatment decisions, track how well a current therapy is working, and give you greater peace of mind about your overall health.
This test is typically ordered when there is suspicion of a catheter-related infection. Signs may include fever, redness, swelling, or pus at the catheter site, or general signs of infection such as chills and confusion. The test helps confirm whether the catheter itself is the source of the infection.
Reference range
No aerobic bacteria isolated. Normal flora not significant. Identification of up to 3 organisms reported.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Ensure catheter site is cleaned with appropriate antiseptic before removal. Catheter tip should be removed aseptically. Patient should report symptoms of infection including fever, chills, redness, swelling, or drainage at insertion site.
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 if bacteria are found?
Can the catheter be reused if the culture is negative?
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