Why is this procedure done?
A bacterial wound culture is a test done to find the kind of germs that may be growing in a wound. You may have a wound from a small break in your skin like a cut, scratch, scrape, or burn. You may have had a bite from an insect, dog, cat, or other person. � �
Any break in the skin can have germs in it. Your doctor may order this test to: � �
- Find out if your wound is infected
- Help decide the best antibiotics to treat the infection
- Learn why a wound isnt healing properly
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal or negative, it means you likely do not have an infection caused by a bacteria or yeast. Sometimes the doctors will say the culture has "no growth. " �
- If the results are not normal or positive, you may have an infection caused by a bacteria or yeast. The doctor will know which kind of bacteria or yeast is causing the infection and be able to give you the right kind of drugs.
- Your doctor may ask for another test, such as a blood test, to make sure of the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
There are no special things to do before the test. Tell your doctor about: � �
- All the drugs you are taking, especially antibacterial creams or antibiotics. These drugs can affect the test results.
- If you have bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. The doctor will gently wipe a swab over the wound. The doctor may also collect some pus or other fluid from the wound for the culture.
- The swab or fluid will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with other fluids. This bottle or tube goes to the lab. The lab keeps the bottle or tube in a special setting. Over a day or two, the germs will grow and increase. Then, the lab technician will collect some of them and look at them with a microscope. Often, the lab technician uses drugs to see which ones fight the germs best.
What happens after the procedure?
Ask your doctor when you will get the results. They will take at least 1 to 3 days. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- If you have a lot of drainage or fluid leaking, you will need a bandage. Keep the area clean and wash your hands before and after changing the bandage.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor will talk about the results of this test with you. Together you can make a plan for more care.
- Call your doctor if your wound looks worse after the culture. Signs of worsening infection include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher; chills; swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; foul smell coming from the wound.
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/wound-culture/tab/test/ � �
KidsHealth � �
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/wound_culture.html � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
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Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �