Actinomycestisscult
This test identifies Actinomyces bacteria in tissue samples through special culture methods to help diagnose infections.
{"This test detects Actinomyces bacteria in tissue samples","Actinomyces can cause chronic infections with abscesses and fistulas","The test helps doctors confirm an Actinomyces infection and choose the right treatment","Treatment typically requires long-term antibiotics","Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88922-0
- Short code
- ACTIN
- Synonyms
- Actinomyces Tiss Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile specimen container or appropriate microbiological transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 122442009
- Specimen volume
- Tissue biopsy specimen approximately 1-2 cm³ preferred
- Stability
- Process specimen within 2-24 hours of collection. Store at 2-8°C if delay exceeds 2 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Actinomyces culture test is a laboratory test that identifies Actinomyces bacteria in tissue samples. Actinomyces are Gram-positive bacteria that can cause infections in humans, typically affecting the face, neck, chest, and abdomen. The test uses special culture methods to grow and identify these bacteria from tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare provider will collect a tissue sample from the infected area through a biopsy or during surgery. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special growth media under conditions that allow Actinomyces bacteria to grow. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and can be identified through microscopic examination and additional tests.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means Actinomyces bacteria have been found in the tissue, confirming an Actinomyces infection (actinomycosis). A negative result does not completely rule out infection, as bacteria may not grow in culture or the sample may not contain the bacteria. Your doctor will interpret the results along with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
No Actinomyces species isolatedN/A
No specific patient preparation required. Tissue specimen is collected by healthcare provider via biopsy or surgical procedure. Inform laboratory of suspected clinical diagnosis and anatomical site of collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why is this test ordered?
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Can Actinomyces infection spread to others?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3Actinomycosis - CDCSource
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