Bacteriaspeccultorg2
A laboratory test that grows and identifies bacteria from a sample to determine if you have a bacterial infection.
{"This test detects harmful bacteria in your body sample","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","It usually takes 24-72 hours to get complete results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44841-5
- Short code
- BCID2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container appropriate for specimen type; aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottles for blood; sterile swab in transport medium; sterile urine container; sterile collection system for other body fluids
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87077
- SNOMED
- 40610006
- Specimen volume
- Volume depends on specimen type; blood cultures typically 8-10 mL per bottle (adult) or 1-3 mL (pediatric); urine 1-10 mL; tissue or fluid as available
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory as soon as possible. Room temperature: most specimens within 2 hours. Refrigerated (2-8°C): urine, respiratory specimens up to 24 hours. Frozen storage generally not recommended for culture specimens. Specific stability varies by specimen source and organism suspected.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–240 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A bacterial culture test is a diagnostic procedure that allows laboratories to grow and identify bacteria present in a sample collected from your body. The sample (which could be blood, urine, sputum, or tissue) is placed in a special environment that promotes bacterial growth. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and can then be identified through various laboratory methods.
How is the test performed?
Your healthcare provider will collect a sample from the affected area of your body—this could be through a blood draw, urine collection, swab of a wound or throat, or other method depending on your symptoms. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in culture media and incubated at body temperature. Laboratory technicians monitor the sample over several days to see if bacteria grow and, if so, what type they are.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection such as fever, pain, swelling, or discharge. It helps confirm whether your infection is caused by bacteria and exactly which type of bacteria is responsible. This information is crucial for determining the most effective treatment plan.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means bacteria were found and identified in your sample, confirming a bacterial infection. A negative result means no bacteria were detected—however, this does not always rule out infection, as some bacteria are difficult to grow in laboratory settings or may require special conditions. Your doctor will interpret these results together with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria. Result reported as organism identified (genus and species) with colony description. Interpretation depends on specimen source and clinical context.N/A
Specimen collection technique varies by source. For blood cultures, disinfect venipuncture site with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine. Collect prior to antibiotic administration whenever possible. Use aseptic technique to prevent contamination. Note: serum is not the typical specimen for bacterial culture; this LOINC code is designed to be applied to the second organism identified in a specimen culture.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Is this test painful?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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