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Bacteriaspeccultorg7

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A laboratory test that identifies specific bacteria causing an infection by growing and analyzing them from a patient sample.

Quick summary

{"This test finds what type of bacteria is causing your infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","The test takes 1-3 days to complete","Sample is collected from the infection site (not typically blood)"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
44848-0
Short code
BACT7ID
Synonyms
Bacteria Spec Cult org #7
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof specimen container appropriate for specimen type (e.g., sterile cup, swab in transport medium, blood culture bottle)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
culture
CPT
87077
SNOMED
441652008
Specimen volume
Volume depends on specimen type; minimum volume as specified by laboratory for the specific specimen source
Stability
Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible; stability varies by specimen type (typically ≤2 hours at room temperature for most specimens; refrigerate at 2-8°C if delayed beyond 2 hours, except for blood, CSF, and anaerobic cultures)
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A bacterial culture test is a laboratory procedure used to identify the specific type of bacteria causing an infection. The test involves taking a sample from the infected area (such as a wound, urine, blood, sputum, or other bodily fluid) and placing it in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow. Once the bacteria multiply, laboratory technicians can identify exactly what type of bacteria is present.

How is the sample collected?

The sample collection method depends on where the infection is located. For a wound infection, a swab is gently rolled over the wound. For a urinary tract infection, a clean-catch urine sample is collected. For respiratory infections, you may be asked to cough up sputum. In some cases, a blood sample may be drawn if a bloodstream infection is suspected. Your healthcare provider will instruct you on the proper collection method for your specific situation.

What happens after the sample is collected?

The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in culture dishes containing nutrients that support bacterial growth. These dishes are kept at body temperature and monitored for several days. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and form visible colonies. Laboratory technicians then examine these colonies under a microscope and perform additional tests to identify the exact bacterial species. This process typically takes 1-3 days, though some bacteria grow more slowly and may require longer.

Reference range

No growth of pathogenic bacteria (isolate #7, if present, is reported by genus and species with antimicrobial susceptibility as appropriate)N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection should be performed using aseptic technique prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive culture mean I have an infection?
Not necessarily. Some bacteria normally live on your skin or in your body without causing harm. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms and other test findings to determine if the bacteria found are actually causing your illness.
Why do I need this test if I can just take antibiotics?
Using the wrong antibiotic or one that the bacteria are resistant to can make your infection worse and contribute to antibiotic resistance. This test ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific infection.
What if no bacteria grow in the culture?
A negative result (no bacteria grown) could mean your infection is caused by something other than bacteria, such as a virus. It could also mean that you received antibiotics before the sample was collected, which prevented bacterial growth. Your doctor will discuss next steps based on your symptoms and other findings.
Is this test painful?
The discomfort depends on where the sample is taken. A wound swab usually causes minimal discomfort, similar to a mild sting. Urine collection is generally painless. Blood draws may cause brief discomfort. Your healthcare provider will make the process as comfortable as possible.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Blood CultureSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Wound CultureSource
  3. 3
    CDC - Antibiotic ResistanceSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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