Bacteriatissbxcult
A laboratory test that identifies bacteria present in tissue samples collected through biopsy to diagnose infections.
{"The test detects and identifies bacteria causing tissue infections","Tissue is collected via biopsy and sent for culture analysis","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results typically take 2-7 days to complete","A positive result confirms a bacterial infection in the tissue"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20474-3
- Short code
- TISBCX
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Tiss Bx Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, screw-capped container or sterile saline-filled vial for tissue biopsy specimens; anaerobic transport container for specimens requiring anaerobic culture
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- biopsy-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 60144007
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 cm³ of tissue or as much as clinically obtainable; tissue samples preferred over swabs
- Stability
- Tissue specimens: room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 24 hours if transport is delayed. Do not freeze tissue specimens intended for culture.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Tissue Biopsy Culture test is a laboratory procedure that analyzes a small sample of tissue collected from your body through a biopsy. The sample is placed in special containers with nutrients that allow bacteria to grow, helping doctors identify exactly what type of bacteria is causing an infection if one is present.
How is the test performed?
A doctor will collect a small tissue sample during a biopsy procedure, which may involve using a needle or minor surgical procedure to remove a tiny piece of tissue from the affected area. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in culture media and monitored for bacterial growth over several days.
What do the results mean?
If bacteria grow in the culture, the test is positive, meaning a bacterial infection is confirmed. The laboratory will identify the specific type of bacteria and may perform additional tests to determine which antibiotics will be most effective. A negative result means no bacteria were detected, though this does not completely rule out infection in all cases.
Are there any risks?
Risks are minimal and relate primarily to the biopsy procedure itself, which may include slight bleeding, pain, or rare risk of infection at the biopsy site. Your doctor will discuss specific risks related to your individual procedure.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal skin/tissue flora may be reported when clinically relevant. Results expressed as organism identified (genus and species) with antimicrobial susceptibility when indicated.N/A
No fasting required. Discontinue systemic antibiotics prior to specimen collection only when clinically feasible and under physician guidance (typically 48-72 hours prior). The biopsy site should be prepared using sterile technique; surface contamination should be minimized to avoid false-positive results.
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?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if the culture is negative?
Can this test detect viruses or fungi?
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