Bacteriaskinaerobecult
A laboratory test that identifies and grows bacteria from a skin sample to diagnose bacterial skin infections.
{"This test identifies the specific bacteria causing a skin infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Sample is collected by swabbing or scraping the affected skin area","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete","The test distinguishes between different types of bacteria"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 620-5
- Short code
- SKNCUL
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Skin Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile bacterial culture transport swab (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium), sterile screw-capped container, or ESwab transport system
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 119325001
- Specimen volume
- Adequate specimen: swab of affected area, aspirate of pus/fluid, or tissue biopsy fragment. Minimum: one swab or 0.5 mL of fluid.
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours (maximum). Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours for most specimens. For fastidious organisms, transport promptly at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A skin bacterial culture is a laboratory test that collects a small sample from your skin and places it in a special environment to grow and identify any bacteria present. This test uses aerobic culture methods, which means it grows bacteria in the presence of oxygen. The test can determine exactly what type of bacteria is causing an infection, if any.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test if you have a skin infection that needs proper diagnosis, such as cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, or a wound infection. It helps identify the specific bacteria causing the problem so that the most effective treatment can be prescribed. This is especially important when infections don't respond to standard antibiotics.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare professional will clean the affected skin area and then collect the sample using a sterile swab, scrape, or tissue sample from the infected area. The sample is then placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The collection process is usually quick and may cause mild discomfort.
What do the results mean?
Results show whether bacteria were found and, if so, what type. Common skin bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The report also includes sensitivity testing, which shows which antibiotics can effectively treat the specific bacteria identified. Your doctor will use this information to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Reference range
No aerobic bacteria isolated (negative). Normal skin flora may be reported when clinically relevant, including coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium species, and Cutibacterium acnes.N/A
The skin site should be cleaned with appropriate antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or 70% isopropyl alcohol) prior to collection, except when collecting from an open wound or abscess. For superficial skin lesions, avoid contamination with surrounding normal flora. Patient should not apply topical antibiotics, ointments, or antiseptics for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection unless otherwise directed by the physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What if no bacteria are found?
Is this test different from a blood 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