Understanding Your Laboratory Test: From Sample Collection to Laboratory Analysis
A laboratory test that identifies and analyzes bacteria from a shallow wound to help doctors choose the right treatment.
{"The test collects a sample from your wound to identify harmful bacteria","Results help doctors select the most effective antibiotic treatment","Getting results typically takes 2-5 days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17916-8
- Short code
- WCULTA2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Shlw Wnd Aerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile aerobic culture swab with transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium); or sterile screw-capped container for aspirated fluid or tissue in sterile saline
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87077
- SNOMED
- 271903006
- Specimen volume
- Minimum: 1 swab; recommended: 2 swabs from same wound site to ensure adequate material for Gram stain and culture, or 1-3 mL of aspirated fluid, or small tissue fragment (approximately 0.5-1 g)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 48 hours; Frozen: not recommended for bacterial culture; Submit specimen to laboratory as soon as possible after collection to maximize organism viability
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what information can it give my doctor about my health?
A wound bacterial culture test is a laboratory procedure that collects a small sample of tissue, fluid, or pus from a shallow wound to identify what specific bacteria are causing an infection. The sample is placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow, making it easier for lab technicians to determine the exact type of bacteria present. This information is crucial for doctors to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic or other treatment for your wound infection.
How will my sample be collected, and what should I do to prepare for the collection process?
A healthcare professional will clean the wound with sterile saline solution and then collect a sample using a sterile swab, needle, or tissue biopsy. The collection process is usually quick but may cause mild discomfort. The sample is then placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What happens to my sample once it reaches the laboratory, and how do technicians process and analyze it?
In the lab, the sample is placed on growth media and kept at body temperature. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and form colonies over several days. Lab technicians then examine the colonies under a microscope and perform additional tests to identify the exact bacterial species. If needed, sensitivity testing is done to determine which antibiotics will effectively treat the infection.
Reference range
No aerobic bacteria isolated; Normal skin flora only; No growth of pathogenic aerobic bacteria identifiedN/A
Patient preparation is not required; however, the wound site should not be cleaned or treated with topical antimicrobials for at least 24 hours prior to sample collection whenever clinically feasible. Inform the laboratory of any recent or current antibiotic therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is essential for diagnosing wound infections and determining the most appropriate treatment. By identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection, doctors can prescribe targeted antibiotics instead of broad-spectrum medications. This helps ensure effective treatment, reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance, and minimizes potential side effects. The test is particularly important for deep or slow-healing wounds, signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus), fever, or when initial treatments have not worked.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does the test hurt?
What if no bacteria grow in the culture?
Do I need to prepare for 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