Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Specimen — Qualitative Culture
A laboratory culture that checks a submitted specimen for growth of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a Gram-negative bacterium.
["A positive result means this bacterium was detected in the specimen, but your clinician will determine whether it represents infection or colonization."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107596-9
- Short code
- S maltophilia multi sp id Spec Ql Cult
- Synonyms
- S maltophilia multi sp id Spec Ql Cult
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 7
- Ref high
- 56
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302773008
- 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 this test?
This test uses a laboratory culture method to check whether Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, also called S. maltophilia, is present in a submitted specimen. It is a qualitative test, meaning the result reports whether the bacterium was detected rather than measuring its amount.
Why might I need this test?
This culture may be ordered when signs or symptoms suggest an infection or when S. maltophilia is a concern because of prior antibiotic exposure, prolonged hospitalization, or a weakened immune system. The specimen tested may be blood, urine, sputum, or a wound sample, depending on the clinical situation.
How is the test performed?
The laboratory places the specimen onto suitable culture media and observes it for bacterial growth. If growth occurs, the bacteria may be identified and tested for susceptibility to antibiotics.
How do I prepare for the test?
Preparation depends on the specimen type. Follow your clinician's or the laboratory's collection instructions, including any requirements for a sterile container, clean-catch urine collection, or respiratory sample collection. If you are unsure how to collect the sample, contact the laboratory before proceeding.
Reference range
Adult males: 7-56 U/L; Adult females: 7-43 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A positive result indicates that S. maltophilia was recovered from the specimen, but it does not by itself establish that the bacterium is causing the symptoms. In respiratory specimens, it may represent colonization rather than infection. Your clinician will interpret the result alongside the specimen source, symptoms, other laboratory findings, and possible antibiotic exposure.
Short name
S. maltophilia culture
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have an S. maltophilia infection?
What happens if S. maltophilia is detected?
How long does the culture test take?
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