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Bacteriagenitalaerobecult

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A laboratory test that identifies and grows aerobic bacteria from a genital specimen to diagnose infections.

Quick summary

{"This test detects harmful bacteria causing genital infections","A sample is collected from the genital area using a swab","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete","The test is important for diagnosing conditions like bacterial vaginosis, urethritis, and other infections"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
10352-3
Short code
GENBC
Synonyms
Bacteria Genital Aerobe Cult
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Aerobic culture transport swab (Amies or Stuart's medium) or sterile container for tissue/fluid specimens; culturette transport system
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
aerobic-culture
CPT
87070
SNOMED
395124008
Specimen volume
1 swab or 1-2 mL of fluid/tissue specimen
Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours for swabs in transport medium; Specimens should be processed as soon as possible after collection to ensure organism viability
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A genital bacterial culture is a laboratory test that collects a sample from your genital area to identify aerobic bacteria that may be causing an infection. The sample is placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow, so technicians can determine what type of bacteria is present and which antibiotics will work best to treat the infection.

During the test, a healthcare provider will use a sterile swab to collect cells or fluid from the genital area. This may include the vagina, cervix, urethra, or penis, depending on your symptoms and anatomy. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is cultured (placed in conditions that allow bacteria to grow) and analyzed.

Reference range

No growth of pathogenic bacteria; Normal genital flora reported as 'Normal flora isolated' or 'Mixed genital flora'N/A

Specimen: serum

Patient should avoid douching, vaginal creams, spermicides, or antimicrobial therapy for at least 48-72 hours prior to specimen collection. For urethral specimens, patient should not urinate for at least 1 hour prior to collection. Specimens should be collected before initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is crucial for diagnosing various genital infections including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections (if secondary), urethritis, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Identifying the specific bacteria helps healthcare providers prescribe the most effective treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. It also helps detect sexually transmitted infections caused by bacteria and ensures proper management of recurrent infections.

Frequently asked questions

Does this test hurt?
The collection process may cause brief discomfort, similar to a pelvic exam. It is generally well-tolerated and only takes a few seconds to collect the sample.
How should I prepare for the test?
Avoid douching, using vaginal creams, or having sexual intercourse for 24-48 hours before the test, as these may affect the results. Inform your healthcare provider about any antibiotics you are currently taking.
When will I get my results?
Bacterial culture results typically take 2-5 days. If bacteria grow, additional testing (called susceptibility or sensitivity testing) may be needed to determine which antibiotics will work, which can add 1-2 more days.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means bacteria were found and identified, which likely explains your symptoms. A negative result means no pathogenic bacteria were detected. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results together with your symptoms and physical examination.
Is this test only for sexually transmitted infections?
No, this test can identify various types of bacterial infections, not just those transmitted sexually. It helps diagnose conditions like bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections that may have non-sexual causes.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Bacterial vaginosisSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - UrethritisSource
  3. 3
    CDC - Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)Source

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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