Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test identifies and grows aerobic bacteria from a nasal sample to detect infections.
{"A nose culture collects a sample from the nostrils to detect harmful bacteria","It helps doctors diagnose sinus infections, nasal infections, or screen for carriers of dangerous bacteria like MRSA","Results typically take 2-3 days as bacteria need time to grow","The test is painless and only takes a few seconds to collect the sample","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic if treatment is needed"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17888-9
- Short code
- NASECX2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Nose Aerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile bacterial culture transport swab (e.g., Copan ESwab or Amies agar gel transport medium)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 119376003
- Specimen volume
- Single nasal swab collected from the anterior nares or nasopharynx as clinically indicated
- Stability
- Specimens should be transported to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection at room temperature (20-25°C). If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
A complete blood count, or CBC, is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, along with related values such as hemoglobin and hematocrit.
A nose aerobic bacterial culture is a laboratory test that collects a sample from inside your nostrils to identify and grow aerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria are germs that need oxygen to grow and multiply. This test is commonly used to find out if certain harmful bacteria are present in your nose, such as Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Streptococcus, or other bacteria that can cause infections.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to investigate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, or unusual bruising and bleeding, or to monitor an ongoing condition or a treatment that can affect your blood cells.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a nasal or sinus infection, such as stuffy nose, facial pain, nasal discharge, or fever. It is also used for screening purposes, especially before surgery or if you are at risk of being a carrier of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Knowing what bacteria are present helps your doctor prescribe the most effective treatment.
A sample is collected by drawing blood from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. A healthcare professional will clean the site, wrap a band around your upper arm, and use a small needle to fill one or more tubes. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and a bandage is applied afterward.
A healthcare provider will gently insert a sterile swab into your nostril, usually about 1-2 inches deep, and rotate it several times to collect mucus and cells from the nasal passage. This may feel slightly uncomfortable but is not painful. The sample is then placed in a special container and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Your results show whether your blood cell counts fall within the normal range. Abnormal levels may suggest conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, but they do not provide a diagnosis on their own. Your doctor will interpret the numbers together with your symptoms, medical history, and any other test results.
Results usually take 2-3 days. A 'positive' result means specific bacteria were found and identified. A 'negative' result means no significant bacterial growth was detected. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and medical history. If harmful bacteria are found, they may recommend antibiotics or additional tests.
Reference range
No pathogenic bacteria isolated (Result depends on clinical context; presence of normal nasal flora including coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species, and viridans streptococci is expected)N/A
Patient should not have used topical antibiotic ointments, nasal sprays, or performed nasal irrigation for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Inform the laboratory if the patient has been on recent antibiotic therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have an infection?
Is the test painful?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What happens if MRSA is found?
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