Skin Gram Stain (Microscopic Examination of Skin Specimen)
This test examines a sample of your skin under a microscope to identify bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms that may be causing an infection or skin condition.
["A microscopic look at your skin’s microbes can help diagnose infections or abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90296-5
- Short code
- Gram Stn Skin
- Synonyms
- Gram Stn Skin
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- gram-stain
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is a Skin Gram Stain Used For?
Skin Gram stains are primarily used to detect and identify organisms responsible for skin infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections. This can help determine the appropriate treatment, whether it involves antibiotics, antifungals, or other therapies.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of your skin is collected, usually through swabbing or scraping, and then prepared on a microscope slide. The sample is stained to highlight different microorganisms, which are then observed under a microscope by a healthcare professional.
Preparation and Care Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may be asked to wash the affected area gently with soap and water before the sample is collected to ensure a clean sample. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments to the area.
What Happens During the Test?
The healthcare provider will gently swab or scrape a small amount of skin from the affected area. The sample is then sent to the lab for staining and microscopic examination. Results are typically available within a few days.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing infections such as cellulitis, impetigo, or fungal skin infections. Identifying the specific microorganism helps guide treatment decisions, ensuring targeted and effective therapy to clear the infection and prevent complications.
Short name
Skin Gram Stain
Frequently asked questions
Why might I need a skin Gram stain?
How long does it take to get the results of this test?
Can I take anything by mouth before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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