: Leptospira Species Culture, Milk
: This test uses a culture of milk to look for Leptospira bacteria, the organisms that cause leptospirosis. It is not a routine test and is used mainly in special veterinary or research settings.
[": A Leptospira milk culture checks whether these bacteria can be grown from a milk sample, but it is rarely used in standard human medical care."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23600-0
- Short code
- Leptospira Mlk Cult
- Synonyms
- Leptospira Mlk Cult
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 This Test Detects
: The test looks for Leptospira bacteria in a milk specimen by trying to grow (culture) the organisms in the laboratory. Leptospira are spiral-shaped bacteria that can cause leptospirosis, an infection often linked to contact with animal urine or contaminated water.
: Why Milk Is Used
: Milk is an unusual specimen for Leptospira testing. It may be collected in veterinary or research contexts to see whether the bacteria are present in an animal's milk. In people, blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid are far more common specimens.
: How the Test Is Done
: A milk sample is collected and sent to a specialized laboratory, where it is placed in special culture media designed to support the growth of Leptospira. Because these bacteria grow slowly, results can take considerable time, and special techniques are needed to identify them.
: What Results Mean
: A positive culture indicates that Leptospira bacteria grew from the sample. A negative culture does not always rule out infection, because these bacteria can be difficult to grow and may not survive handling or storage. Results should always be interpreted alongside the clinical picture and other tests.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Leptospirosis can range from a mild flu-like illness to serious disease affecting the liver, kidneys, or lungs. Culture is one way to confirm exposure to Leptospira, but it is technically demanding and slow, so other methods such as antibody or molecular testing are often preferred. A milk culture is not a standard human diagnostic test and should be interpreted by a clinician familiar with the specific context in which it was ordered.
Short name
: NONE
Frequently asked questions
: Is a Leptospira milk culture a common test for people?
: How long does it take to get results?
: Does a negative result mean I definitely do not have leptospirosis?
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