Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture (with Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing)
This test checks for the presence of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, and evaluates how well antibiotics work against it.
["Helps diagnose gonorrhea and guide antibiotic treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43387-0
- Short code
- Neisseria Spec Cult
- Synonyms
- Neisseria Spec Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- 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 Does This Test Detect?
The test involves growing bacteria from a sample (often collected from the urethra, cervix, or throat) on a special culture medium to identify *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*. If the bacteria grow, they are confirmed under a microscope and tested for antibiotic resistance patterns.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A healthcare provider collects a sample (e.g., swab from the genital area, throat, or rectum) during a clinical exam. The sample is sent to a lab, where bacteria are cultured and grown in controlled conditions to detect *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*.
How the Test Works
If *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* is found, the culture is further tested to determine antibiotic susceptibility. This helps doctors choose the most effective treatment to fight the infection.
When Might You Need This Test?
This test is typically recommended for people with symptoms of gonorrhea (e.g., unusual discharge, pain during urination) or as part of routine screening in high-risk groups (e.g., sexually active individuals). It may also be used to confirm infection in asymptomatic partners.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Detecting *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* is critical for diagnosing gonorrhea, which can cause serious complications if untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, or spread to other parts of the body. Antibiotic susceptibility testing ensures appropriate treatment to prevent resistance and reduce spread.
Short name
Gonococcal Culture
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered?
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
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