Understanding Your Laboratory Blood Test
A laboratory test that identifies aerobic bacteria present in a sample from the penis to diagnose infections.
{"This test detects and identifies bacteria causing penile infections","It helps doctors determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment","Sample is typically collected using a swab from the urethral area","Results usually take 2-5 days to complete","Common infections detected include STIs like gonorrhea"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14478-2
- Short code
- PENBC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Penis Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile bacterial culture swab transport system (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium), sterile screw-capped container, or sterile culturette swab
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 428531000124103
- Specimen volume
- One swab or minimum 0.5 mL of exudate/discharge if liquid specimen is available; tissue biopsy may be submitted in sterile saline
- Stability
- Room temperature: transport to laboratory within 2 hours of collection. If delayed beyond 2 hours, maintain at 2-8°C (refrigerated) for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. Specimens in appropriate transport medium (Amies/Stuart) are stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours per CLSI guidelines.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what exactly does it measure in my body?
The Bacteria Identified in Penis by Aerobe culture test is a microbiological test that collects a sample from the penile area (typically from the urethra or any discharge) and grows it in a laboratory setting to identify what types of aerobic bacteria are present. Aerobic bacteria are microorganisms that require oxygen to grow and multiply.
How is the sample collected, and what should I expect during the collection process?
A healthcare provider will collect the sample using a sterile swab from the urethral opening or from any visible discharge on the penis. The procedure may cause brief discomfort. It is important to inform your doctor about any current symptoms, medications, or recent antibiotic use.
Why is this test performed, and how can the results help my healthcare provider?
This test is primarily ordered when a patient experiences symptoms of a penile infection, such as discharge, pain, burning sensation during urination, or swelling. It helps healthcare providers identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and select the most effective treatment.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Commensal/skin flora (e.g., coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species) may be reported as normal flora. Results reported as organism identified with colony count and/or semiquantitative growth.N/A
Patient should abstain from urination for at least 1 hour prior to sample collection. Avoid topical antibiotics, antiseptic washes, or topical antifungal agents on the genital area for at least 48-72 hours before specimen collection. The foreskin should be retracted (in uncircumcised patients) and the glans cleaned with sterile saline prior to specimen collection. Refrain from sexual activity for 24 hours prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for diagnosing urethritis, sexually transmitted infections (such as gonorrhea caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae), and other bacterial infections of the male genital tract. Identifying the specific organism allows for targeted antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics. The test can also help identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which is increasingly important in modern healthcare.
A negative result may indicate that symptoms are caused by non-bacterial conditions such as viral infections, fungal infections, or non-infectious inflammatory conditions. Further testing may be needed if symptoms persist despite negative culture results.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens if bacteria are found?
Is this test only for sexually transmitted infections?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3Mayo Clinic - UrethritisSource
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