Bacterialstudies
A laboratory test that identifies bacteria in a sample to diagnose infections.
{"Detects harmful bacteria causing infections","Helps doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results usually available in 2-5 days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92894-5
- Short code
- MICRO
- Synonyms
- Bacterial studies
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof specimen container appropriate for source; aerobic and anaerobic transport systems for tissue and fluid specimens; blood culture bottles for blood specimens; sterile swabs with appropriate transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Culture and isolation techniques including aerobic and anaerobic bacterial culture, gram staining, biochemical identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing; may include molecular methods such as PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for organism identification
- CPT
- 87040
- SNOMED
- 39579005
- Specimen volume
- Variable depending on specimen source; typically 1-10 mL for fluids, sufficient tissue for biopsy specimens, or adequate swab material. Blood culture: 8-10 mL per bottle for adults, 1-3 mL for pediatric patients
- Stability
- Room temperature: deliver to laboratory within 2 hours for most specimens. Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours for urine, respiratory, and wound specimens. Frozen (-70°C or lower): acceptable for extended storage of serum for molecular testing. Anaerobic specimens must never be refrigerated
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A bacterial culture test is a laboratory procedure that allows healthcare providers to detect and identify bacteria causing an infection. The test involves placing a sample (which may include blood, urine, sputum, wound tissue, or other body fluids) onto special growth media that enables bacteria to multiply. Lab technicians then examine the grown bacteria under a microscope and perform additional tests to determine the exact type of bacteria present.
How is the sample collected?
Sample collection depends on the type of infection suspected. For a bloodstream infection, a blood sample is drawn from a vein. For a urinary tract infection, a clean-catch urine sample is collected. For respiratory infections, sputum or nasal swabs may be used. For skin or wound infections, a swab or tissue sample is taken from the affected area. The collection method is quick and typically causes minimal discomfort.
What happens after the test?
After the sample reaches the laboratory, it is placed in incubators that provide optimal conditions for bacterial growth. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and form visible colonies within 24-72 hours. Lab technicians then identify the specific bacteria and may perform antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) to determine which antibiotics can effectively treat the infection. This process helps ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; presence of normal flora as applicable to specimen source. Results reported as organism identification with quantitative or semi-quantitative colony counts and susceptibility profiles when indicatedN/A
Specimen collection should precede initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible. For serum specimens, collect prior to antibiotic administration. Follow site-specific collection protocols to minimize contamination from normal flora. Inform laboratory of current antibiotic use, recent travel history, and suspected exposure
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does the test use serum?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What do positive results mean?
Are there any risks from this test?
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