Microbiological Culture of Fluid (e.g., Blood, CSF, or Other Body Fluid) with Specific Identification of Microorganisms
This test helps identify bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms in your body fluids, such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine. It’s used to diagnose infections and guide treatment.
["A culture test helps pinpoint what’s causing an infection and ensures you get the right treatment quickly."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 57960-7
- Short code
- RBC Fld Micro
- Synonyms
- RBC Fld Micro
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 Measures
A culture test involves collecting a sample of your body fluid (like blood, spinal fluid, or urine) and growing it in a controlled environment to detect and identify any microorganisms present. This process helps determine the type of infection you may have, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal.
Why It’s Done
Doctors order this test when you have symptoms like fever, persistent infections, or signs of an infection in specific body fluids. It’s especially useful for diagnosing infections in hard-to-reach areas like the brain (e.g., meningitis), joints, or wounds.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A healthcare provider will collect the sample, usually through a simple procedure like drawing blood, a spinal tap, or a urine sample. The sample is then sent to a lab, where it’s cultured in special growth media to encourage microorganisms to multiply over days or weeks.
Results and Interpretation
Results take time—sometimes days or weeks—to grow and identify microorganisms. Once identified, your doctor will use the findings to choose the best antibiotic or treatment for your infection.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Microbiological cultures are critical for confirming infections and guiding appropriate treatment. Accurate identification ensures you receive targeted therapy, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and improving recovery outcomes. Without this test, infections might go untreated or be treated with ineffective medications.
Short name
Microbiology Fluid Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from a culture test?
What if my culture test comes back negative but I still feel sick?
Can I take antibiotics before my culture 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy