Bacteriacontlenscult
This test identifies bacteria growing on contact lenses to diagnose infections or assess lens hygiene.
{"The test cultures bacteria from a contact lens sample","It helps diagnose eye infections related to contact lens use","Results guide appropriate antibiotic treatment","Regular testing can improve contact lens care habits","The test typically takes 2-5 days for results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56714-9
- Short code
- BCTCL
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Cont lens Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container; place contact lens directly into sterile vial or transport tube with a small amount of sterile saline or transport medium. Contact lens case and residual solution may also be submitted.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 442126008
- Specimen volume
- 1 contact lens (preferred); submit both eyes' lenses if clinically indicated; lens case and residual solution if available
- Stability
- Room temperature: deliver to laboratory within 2 hours of collection; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Contact Lens Bacterial Culture test identifies and grows bacteria from a contact lens sample. When you wear contact lenses, bacteria can accumulate on the lens surface. This test helps determine if potentially harmful bacteria are present, which is important for diagnosing eye infections or evaluating your lens hygiene routine.
How is the test performed?
Your eye care professional will carefully remove your contact lens and place it in a sterile container. The lens is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special growth media that allows bacteria to multiply. Technicians identify any bacteria that grow and test which antibiotics can effectively treat them.
Why might I need this test?
You may need this test if you experience symptoms such as red, painful, or watery eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a feeling of something in your eye while wearing contact lenses. The test is also used for patients with recurrent eye infections to identify the underlying cause and determine the most effective treatment.
What do the results mean?
A negative result means no pathogenic bacteria were found on your lens. A positive result identifies the specific type of bacteria present. Common bacteria found include Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, or Streptococcus species. Your doctor will discuss your results and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotic eye drops or changes to your contact lens care routine.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal ocular flora (e.g., coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium spp.) may be reported as suchN/A
Contact lens should be removed aseptically by the clinician or patient using sterile technique. Lenses should be placed directly into a sterile transport container. Avoid touching the lens or contaminating the container. Ideally, lenses in use at the time of suspected infection should be submitted along with the lens case and solution if available. No fasting required.
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?
Do I need to stop wearing contact lenses before the test?
What happens if bacteria are found?
How can I prevent bacteria buildup on my contact lenses?
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