Bacteriasinusaerobecult
A laboratory test that identifies specific bacteria from a sinus sample to help diagnose and guide treatment for sinus infections.
{"Collects a sample from your sinuses to grow and identify harmful bacteria","Helps doctors select the most effective antibiotic for your infection","Results typically take 2-5 days as bacteria need time to grow","This is different from blood tests - it samples the infected area directly","Important for treating recurrent or persistent sinus infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87932-0
- Short code
- SINUSCULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Sinus Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container or anaerobic transport system suitable for microbiology specimens. Eswab transport system or sterile screw-cap tube with transport medium is acceptable.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070 (Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates). Additional CPT codes 87077, 87186, 87147, 87153 may apply for identification and susceptibility testing.
- SNOMED
- 428951000124102 (Bacterial culture of sinus aspirate)
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1 mL of sinus aspirate or sufficient tissue/sample to allow proper culture processing. Swab specimens should be submitted in transport medium to maintain organism viability.
- Stability
- Specimens should be transported to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection at room temperature. If immediate transport is not possible, specimens in transport medium are stable at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Do not refrigerate specimens intended for culture, as this may reduce recovery of fastidious organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A sinus bacterial culture is a laboratory test that collects a sample of mucus or fluid from your sinuses (the air-filled spaces in your skull behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks). The sample is then placed in special conditions that allow any bacteria present to grow. This helps doctors identify exactly what type of bacteria is causing your sinus infection.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect the sample using one of several methods: inserting a thin swab into your nostril, using a nasal aspirator to suction out fluid, or during a sinus endoscopy procedure. The method used depends on your specific condition and your doctor's preference.
What happens in the laboratory?
In the lab, the sample is placed on growth plates and incubated at body temperature. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and form visible colonies over 2-5 days. Laboratory technicians then identify the specific types of bacteria and may perform additional tests to see which antibiotics can effectively treat them (this is called antibiotic susceptibility testing).
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Normal sinus flora may include commensal organisms (e.g., coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species, viridans group streptococci). Results reported as: No growth, Mixed flora, or identification of specific pathogen(s) with colony description and quantitation when applicable.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should refrain from using topical antibiotic ointments, nasal sprays, or sinus irrigation for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection when clinically feasible. If the patient is on systemic antibiotics, document recent antibiotic therapy on the requisition, as this may affect culture results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test instead of just taking antibiotics?
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
How long will it take to get results?
Is the sample collection painful?
What do the results tell my doctor?
Sources
- 1Mayo Clinic - SinusitisSource
- 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