Neisseria gonorrhoeae Culture (Rectal Swab)
This test checks for the presence of *Neisseria gonorrhoeae*, the bacteria responsible for gonorrhea, in a sample taken from your rectum. It helps confirm if you have an infection that may require treatment.
["A rectal culture can help diagnose gonorrhea infections in the rectal area."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 80368-4
- Short code
- N gonorrhoea Anorectl Ql Cult
- Synonyms
- N gonorrhoea Anorectl Ql 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like pain, discharge, or bleeding in the rectal area, or if you’ve been exposed to gonorrhea. It’s also used to monitor treatment effectiveness or check for infections in areas not typically tested (like the rectum).
What Does the Test Involve?
A healthcare professional will collect a sample from your rectum using a sterile swab. The swab is then sent to a lab to grow bacteria in a controlled environment. Results typically take 2–5 days, depending on lab processes.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result means *Neisseria gonorrhoeae* was found in your sample. This confirms a gonorrhea infection and is essential for starting appropriate antibiotic treatment. Always follow your provider’s guidance for care.
What Does a Negative Result Mean?
A negative result means no bacteria were detected in this sample. However, it doesn’t guarantee you’re completely free of gonorrhea—other areas (like the throat or urethra) may still be infected. Follow-up testing or retesting may be recommended.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Gonorrhea Rectal Culture
Frequently asked questions
Early detection of gonorrhea is critical because untreated infections can lead to serious health complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (in women), infertility, or joint/septic infections. Rectal gonorrhea can also spread to other parts of the body or increase the risk of HIV transmission.
How often should I get tested for gonorrhea if I’m sexually active?
Can I still have gonorrhea even if I don’t have symptoms?
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