Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient Guide to What It Is, How the Sample Is Collected, and How to Prepare
A laboratory test that identifies bacteria causing respiratory infections by culturing a sample from your respiratory tract.
{"Collects mucus or fluid from nose, throat, or lungs","Identifies specific bacteria causing infection","Helps doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results usually available in 2-5 days","Different from blood tests - uses respiratory specimens"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 32355-0
- Short code
- RESPID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Resp Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, wide-mouth container with secure cap; transport swab in Amies or Stuart's transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- respiratory-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- Sputum: 2-5 mL minimum; Bronchoalveolar lavage: 10-20 mL; Tracheal aspirate: 2-5 mL; Nasopharyngeal swab: 1 swab
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours for sputum and lavage samples. Process as soon as possible for optimal organism recovery.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what information can it give my healthcare provider about my health?
A respiratory culture is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria in a sample collected from your respiratory tract. The test helps determine what specific bacteria are causing your infection so your doctor can prescribe the most effective treatment.
How is the sample for this test collected, and what can I expect during the collection process?
Depending on your symptoms, your healthcare provider may collect samples through: sputum (coughed-up mucus), nasopharyngeal swab (nose or throat), bronchoalveolar lavage (lung fluid), or tracheal aspirate. The collection method is painless and takes only a few seconds.
What happens to my sample after it has been collected and arrives at the laboratory?
The sample is placed in special containers that allow bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians observe which bacteria grow, identify them using various methods, and sometimes perform antibiotic sensitivity testing to see which medications can effectively treat the infection.
How should I prepare for this test, including any instructions about food, drink, medications, or activity?
No special preparation is usually needed. For sputum collection, rinse your mouth with water before coughing to reduce contamination. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on the type of sample needed.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal respiratory flora may be reportedN/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should rinse mouth with water prior to sputum collection to reduce oral contamination. For sputum samples, instruct patient to provide a deep cough specimen, preferably first morning sample.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Respiratory culture helps diagnose bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, and other respiratory tract infections. Identifying the specific bacteria allows doctors to prescribe targeted antibiotics instead of broad-spectrum medications, improving treatment outcomes and reducing antibiotic resistance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does a positive result always mean I need treatment?
Can this test detect viruses?
Is the 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