Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, How the Sample Is Collected, and What Your Results Mean
A laboratory test that identifies specific bacteria growing in a shallow wound to help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment.
{"This test identifies bacteria causing a wound infection","Results help doctors select the most effective antibiotic","Sample is collected from the wound surface using a swab","Results typically available in 2-5 days","Proper wound care is essential alongside antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47295-1
- Short code
- WCUL8
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Shlw Wnd Aerobe Cult org #8
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile bacterial culture transport swab (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium) in leak-proof container; sterile screw-cap tube or sterile container for aspirates or tissue
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 441901003
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5 mL of exudate, pus, or aspirated fluid; for swabs, ensure visible material is collected on the swab tip and placed immediately in transport medium
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours in transport medium; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 48 hours for most specimens (do not refrigerate if anaerobic culture is also requested); frozen specimens are unacceptable
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and why might my doctor order it for me?
A wound culture is a laboratory test that identifies bacteria causing an infection in a shallow wound. The test involves taking a small sample from the wound surface using a sterile swab. This sample is then placed in a special environment (culture) that allows bacteria to grow, so laboratory technicians can identify exactly what type of bacteria is present.
How is the sample collected for this test, and how should I prepare?
A healthcare provider will gently swab the surface of your wound to collect fluid, pus, or tissue material. The swab is then placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The collection process is quick and may cause mild discomfort.
What do the results mean, and what should I discuss with my doctor?
The results will show which specific bacteria are causing your wound infection. This information is crucial because different bacteria respond to different antibiotics. Your doctor uses these results to prescribe the most effective treatment for your specific infection.
Reference range
No aerobic bacterial pathogens isolated. Identification of organisms reported as isolated, predominant, or as part of mixed flora based on clinical significance and colony morphology.N/A
No fasting required. The wound should be cleaned and debrided of surface exudate or necrotic tissue prior to specimen collection. If possible, discontinue topical antibiotics or antiseptics for at least 24 hours before sample collection. Avoid contamination with surrounding skin flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Wound culture results guide antibiotic selection: Different bacteria require different antibiotics. Using the wrong antibiotic may not treat the infection effectively and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. This test helps prevent treatment failure and reduces complications from untreated infections.
Common wound-infecting bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The test identifies these organisms so targeted treatment can begin.
If no bacteria are identified, the wound may be healing normally or the infection could be caused by viruses or fungi, which require different treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have an infection?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to do anything special before the test?
What happens if the culture shows no growth?
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