Bacteriaspeccultorg6
This test identifies specific bacteria in your sample by growing them in a laboratory to determine what type of infection you may have.
{"A bacterial culture test grows bacteria from your sample to identify the exact type causing infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","The test usually takes 24-72 hours to complete","A positive result means bacteria were found and identified","Your doctor will discuss what the results mean for your treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44846-4
- Short code
- BACID6
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Cult org #6
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container appropriate for specimen type (e.g., sterile stool container, Cary-Blair transport medium for stool, blood culture bottles for blood, sterile swab in transport medium)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87046
- SNOMED
- 441652007
- Specimen volume
- Variable based on specimen type: 1-5 g stool, 5-10 mL blood per culture bottle, adequate swab specimen, or 1-3 mL for other sterile fluids
- Stability
- Specimen should be transported to laboratory as soon as possible. Stool in Cary-Blair medium: stable at room temperature up to 48 hours. Refrigerated at 2-8°C: process within 2-4 hours for optimal recovery. Blood culture bottles: stable at room temperature until placed in incubator.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bacteria #6 Identified in Specimen by Culture test is a laboratory test that helps identify a specific type of bacteria (labeled as #6 in the testing panel) from your sample. This is done by placing the sample in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow, so technicians can see what types are present and perform additional tests to identify them exactly.
How is the test performed?
Your healthcare provider collects a sample from the suspected site of infection—this could be blood, urine, tissue, sputum, or fluid from a wound. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in culture dishes containing nutrients that help bacteria grow. Laboratory technicians monitor the sample over several days, identify any bacteria that grow, and run additional tests to determine the exact type.
Why do I need this test?
This test is ordered when your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection. By identifying the specific bacteria causing your illness, your doctor can prescribe the most effective antibiotic. This is especially important because different bacteria respond to different antibiotics, and using the wrong treatment may not work or could cause side effects.
What do the results mean?
A "positive" result means bacteria labeled as #6 were found and identified in your sample, indicating a bacterial infection. A "negative" result means no bacteria were detected, which could mean your infection is caused by something else (like a virus) or that the sample was collected before enough bacteria were present. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
No growth of clinically significant bacteria. Results reported as specific organism identification when isolated (e.g., Salmonella species, Shigella species, Campylobacter species, Yersinia species, Vibrio species, Aeromonas species).N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when clinically possible. Patient should be informed of collection procedure and consent obtained if required by institution.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
Will I need antibiotics after this test?
Is this test painful?
What happens if Bacteria #6 is found in my sample?
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