Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and Why You May Need It
A nose bacteria culture test identifies harmful bacteria in your nasal passages to help diagnose infections.
{"This test detects and identifies bacteria growing in your nose","It helps doctors diagnose nasal or sinus infections","Results guide appropriate antibiotic treatment","The test uses a swab sample from your nostril","Results typically take 2-3 days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17891-3
- Short code
- NASCUL5
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Nose Aerobe Cult org #5
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile bacterial transport swab (e.g., Copan ESwab, Amies or Stuart's transport medium) or sterile transport container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 408684001
- Specimen volume
- Single nasopharyngeal or anterior nasal swab; minimal volume; swab tip must be fully immersed in transport medium
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 2 hours; if delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C and process within 24 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC) test? A complete blood count (CBC) is a common laboratory test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, giving your healthcare provider important information about your overall health.
The Nose Bacteria Culture test, also called a nasal culture, is a laboratory test that collects a sample from your nasal passages using a sterile swab. The sample is then placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow (culture). This helps identify if harmful bacteria are present and determines exactly what type of bacteria is causing an infection.
How is the test performed? A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, using a thin needle. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where the number, size, and types of blood cells are analyzed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare provider will gently insert a sterile swab into your nostril, typically about 1-2 inches deep, and rotate it to collect mucus and cells from the nasal passage. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is cultured to allow any bacteria present to multiply and become identifiable. The process is quick and may cause mild discomfort or a tickling sensation.
Why might I need this test? Your provider may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup or to help diagnose conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or bleeding disorders, to monitor an existing condition, or to check how a treatment such as chemotherapy is affecting your blood cells.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a nasal or sinus infection, such as persistent nasal congestion, facial pain, thick nasal discharge, or fever. It is also commonly used for patients at risk of carrying harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), especially before surgery or if you have recurring infections.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal nasal flora may include coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species, and viridans streptococci. Pathogen identification and quantity reported semiquantitatively as rare, few, moderate, or many colony-forming units.N/A
Patient should not have used topical nasal antibiotics, nasal ointments, or saline irrigations for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection. Avoid blowing nose immediately before sampling. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of systemic antimicrobial therapy when clinically feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The clinical significance of nose bacteria culture includes: diagnosing bacterial sinusitis, identifying carriers of dangerous bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), guiding appropriate antibiotic selection based on bacterial susceptibility, monitoring infections in healthcare settings, and preventing spread of contagious bacteria in hospitals or communities. Positive results help doctors distinguish between viral and bacterial infections, ensuring proper treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I am sick?
How long does it take to get results?
Does the test hurt?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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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