Bacteriafistulacult
A laboratory test that identifies specific bacteria causing infection in a fistula (an abnormal connection between body parts).
{"This test finds out which bacteria are causing an infection in your fistula","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","A sample is taken from the fistula drainage or tissue","Results usually take 2-5 days to complete","Proper sample collection is important for accurate results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106036-7
- Short code
- FISTCULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Fistula Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container (e.g., sterile screw-cap tube or culturette swab system); anaerobic transport medium recommended for deep or surgical fistula specimens; submit aspirated fluid or tissue when possible in sterile container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87070 (Culture, bacterial; any source, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates); additional codes may apply for anaerobic culture (87075), definitive identification (87077), and antibiotic susceptibility testing (87186, 87147)
- SNOMED
- 428931000124101 (Bacterial culture of wound) or 386134005 (Culture and identification of bacterial isolate)
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of aspirated fluid, a piece of tissue (preferably several millimeters), or swab specimen collected using flocked or rayon-tipped swabs in transport medium
- Stability
- Room temperature: deliver to laboratory within 2 hours of collection. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours (except for specimens requiring anaerobic culture, which should be processed as soon as possible). Tissue specimens should be kept moist in sterile saline.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bacteria Identified in Fistula by Culture test is a laboratory procedure that collects a sample from a fistula (an abnormal tunnel-like connection that forms between two organs or between an organ and the skin) and grows the bacteria in a laboratory setting to identify the specific type causing infection. This helps healthcare providers determine the most effective treatment for the infection.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from the fistula, which may include pus, fluid drainage, or tissue from the fistula tract. The sample is placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The area around the fistula is usually cleaned before sample collection to avoid contamination.
What happens in the laboratory?
In the lab, the sample is placed on special growth materials (culture media) that allow bacteria to multiply. Technicians then identify the specific types of bacteria present. If bacteria grow, additional tests (called susceptibility or sensitivity tests) determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the infection.
How long does it take to get results?
Bacterial culture results typically take 2-5 days. Some bacteria grow slowly and may require more time. If no bacteria grow after several days, the result may be reported as 'no growth' or 'negative culture'.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Report indicates organism(s) isolated with antibiotic susceptibility testing results when clinically indicated. Normal flora or contamination reported as such.N/A
No fasting required. If patient is on antibiotics, consider that culture results may be affected; document recent antimicrobial therapy on the requisition. Avoid contamination of the specimen with skin flora. The fistula site should be cleaned of surface exudate prior to specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What if the culture shows no growth?
Can the test identify all types of bacteria?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - FistulaSource
- 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