Bacteriatisscult
A laboratory test that identifies and grows bacteria from a tissue sample to diagnose infections.
{"The test cultures bacteria from a small tissue sample to identify the cause of infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","It typically takes 2-7 days to get results as bacteria need time to grow"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43408-4
- Short code
- TISCULT
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Tiss Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives; tissue should be placed in a sterile cup or anaerobic transport system with sterile saline to prevent drying
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 399135006
- Specimen volume
- As much tissue as clinically feasible (minimum 0.5 g or a pea-sized piece); swabs are not preferred for tissue culture
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature; if delayed, store at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours (except for suspected anaerobic infections, which should be maintained at room temperature)
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Tissue Bacterial Culture test is a laboratory procedure that helps identify bacteria causing an infection in body tissue. During the test, a small piece of tissue is taken from the affected area and placed in a special environment that allows bacteria to grow. This helps doctors see what type of bacteria is present and determine the most effective treatment.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a small tissue sample from the infected area using a special tool. This may happen during a minor surgical procedure or biopsy. The location depends on where the infection is suspected, such as skin, wound, or internal tissue. The sample is then placed in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory for culture.
What happens in the laboratory?
In the lab, the tissue sample is placed onto culture plates and into culture bottles containing nutrients that allow bacteria to grow. The samples are kept at body temperature for several days. Laboratory technicians check daily to see if bacteria have grown. Once bacteria grow, they can be identified and tested against different antibiotics to see which ones are most effective.
How long does it take?
Bacterial culture results are not immediate. Most results are available within 2-5 days, but some bacteria grow slowly and may take up to 7 days or longer. If no bacteria grow after several days, the culture may be reported as negative, meaning no infection was detected.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; normal skin/tissue flora may be reported as suchN/A
No fasting required. Tissue specimens should be collected aseptically prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. Discontinue topical antimicrobial agents at the collection site for at least 24 hours if clinically feasible
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the tissue collection hurt?
Why does it take so long to get results?
What if my culture results are negative?
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
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