Bacteriaimplntdevcult
This test identifies bacteria present in implanted medical devices through laboratory culture methods.
{"The test detects bacterial infections in implanted devices like joints or heart valves","Sample is collected from the device itself, not blood","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78356-3
- Short code
- DEVBCID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Implnt dev Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container or anaerobic transport system; tissue samples may be submitted in sterile saline. Screw-capped sterile vials or transport swabs in Amies or Stuart transport medium are acceptable.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 396507007
- Specimen volume
- Tissue: 1-2 cm³ minimum; Fluid: 1-3 mL; Swab specimens collected using flocked or rayon swabs
- Stability
- Tissue and fluid specimens: Room temperature 2 hours, refrigerated 24 hours. Do not freeze tissue or fluid specimens for culture. Swab specimens in transport medium: Room temperature 24-48 hours, refrigerated 48-72 hours. Anaerobic specimens must be transported promptly in appropriate anaerobic transport system.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test looks for bacteria in or around a medical device that has been implanted in your body, such as an artificial joint, heart valve, pacemaker, or breast implant. The sample is collected from the device area and sent to a laboratory where technicians try to grow (culture) any bacteria present to identify them.
Why is it needed?
If you have an implanted device and develop symptoms of infection—such as redness, swelling, pain, or fever—your doctor may order this test. Identifying the specific bacteria helps determine the cause of the infection and guide the most effective treatment.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect fluid or tissue from around the implanted device using a sterile swab or needle. The method depends on the type of device and location of the suspected infection.
What do the results mean?
If bacteria are found and identified, it confirms an infection. The specific type of bacteria identified helps your doctor select the most appropriate antibiotic. If no bacteria are found, it may mean there is no infection, or the infection is caused by organisms that are difficult to grow in the lab.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria isolated from implanted device culture. Results reported as organism identification with colony quantification (e.g., scant, moderate, many) and Gram stain morphology.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible. Discontinue topical antibiotics at the collection site for at least 48 hours prior to sampling. Site preparation with appropriate antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) is recommended before collection to reduce skin contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing infections in prosthetic joints, cardiac devices, orthopedic hardware, and other implanted materials. It guides antibiotic selection and helps determine whether the device needs to be removed. Early and accurate identification of the causative organism improves treatment outcomes and helps prevent complications like sepsis or device failure.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before 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