Understanding Your Blood Test: What It Is, How the Sample Is Collected, and What Your Results Mean
A laboratory test that identifies and grows bacteria from a sample taken from the penis to detect infections.
{"This test detects bacterial infections in the penis area","A sample is collected using a swab from the affected area","Results help doctors determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment","The test identifies specific bacteria causing the infection","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106016-9
- Short code
- PENBC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Penis Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile culture swab in transport medium (Amies or Stuart's); sterile screw-cap container for tissue or exudate
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 40733004
- Specimen volume
- One swab or 0.5-1 mL of exudate/tissue in transport medium
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; Room temperature (20-25°C): up to 2 hours; Do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what is it used for?
A bacteria culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies bacteria causing an infection in the penis area. The test involves collecting a sample from the penis and placing it in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow, so they can be identified.
How is the sample collected, and what can I expect during the collection?
A healthcare provider will use a sterile swab to collect a sample from the infected area of the penis. The collection process is quick and may cause brief discomfort. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
What do the results mean, and how will my doctor explain them to me?
Results show whether bacteria are present and, if so, what type. A positive result means an infection is present. The laboratory will also perform sensitivity testing to determine which antibiotics will effectively treat the specific bacteria found.
How should I prepare for the test before my appointment?
Avoid cleaning the affected area with antiseptic soaps or applying any medications before the test, as this may affect the results. Inform your doctor about any antibiotics you are currently taking.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal skin/genital flora may be presentN/A
Patient should abstain from urination for at least 1 hour prior to specimen collection. Avoid topical antibiotics or antiseptic washes for 48-72 hours before collection. Do not cleanse the urethral meatus prior to sampling.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is important for diagnosing urethritis, balanitis, and other bacterial infections of the penis. It helps distinguish between different types of bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia. The sensitivity testing ensures appropriate antibiotic selection, helping prevent treatment failure and antibiotic resistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to avoid sexual activity before the test?
What happens if the culture is negative?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - UrethritisSource
- 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