Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, How It Works, and What Your Results Mean
This test identifies harmful bacteria in drainage fluid from surgical wounds or catheters to help guide proper treatment.
{"A sample of fluid from a drain or wound is sent to the laboratory for testing","The test grows and identifies bacteria that may be causing an infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic for treatment","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete","This test is commonly used after surgery or for ongoing infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 607-2
- Short code
- DRNCULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Drain Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives (e.g., sterile screw-cap urine cup or anaerobic transport vial); may also be collected in blood culture bottles for enhanced recovery
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 441902009
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of drain fluid; minimum 0.5 mL acceptable
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Do not freeze. Specimen should be transported to laboratory as soon as possible after collection to maximize organism recovery.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why might your doctor have ordered it for you?
The Drainage Fluid Culture test looks for bacteria in fluid collected from a surgical drain, wound, or catheter. A small sample of the drainage fluid is placed in special containers that allow bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians then identify what types of bacteria are present, if any.
How is this test performed, and what should you expect during the procedure?
Your healthcare provider will collect a small amount of fluid from your drain or wound using a sterile syringe or swab. The sample is then sent to the laboratory where it is placed in culture media and incubated. Technicians monitor the sample over several days to see if bacteria grow and to identify the specific type.
What will the results of this test tell you and your doctor about your health?
If bacteria grow in the culture, the results will show what specific type of bacteria is causing the infection. This information is very important because different bacteria require different antibiotics for effective treatment. If no bacteria grow, it may mean there is no infection or that antibiotics are already working.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Reporting includes identification of isolated organisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus species, etc.) with semi-quantitative colony counts and antimicrobial susceptibility results when clinically indicated.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible. Disinfect drain exit site with appropriate antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) and allow to dry before collection. Aseptically aspirate fluid from the proximal drain tubing or collection reservoir using sterile technique.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing wound infections, surgical site infections, and infections related to drainage catheters. It helps healthcare providers select the most appropriate antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics unnecessarily. The results can also guide the duration of antibiotic treatment and help determine if additional interventions are needed.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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