Why is this procedure done?
A fluid culture is a test done to find the germs that may be growing in the body. The germs most often happen with other serious illnesses. The fluid can be collected from saliva, pus from a wound, or other fluids in your body. Your doctor may order this test to: � �
- Find out what type of germ is causing your infection
- Help your doctor choose the best drugs to kill the germs
- Find the cause of an unexplained fever, illness, or shock
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 infection 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 for growth, 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 to fight the germs.
- Your doctor may ask for another test to make sure of the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
- If you are extremely ill, the doctor may start treatment before the test results are back. Once the fluid culture results are available, the doctor may change your 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
- If you have bleeding problems
- The places you have traveled recently
- If you have been around others who are sick
- Any high risk behaviors like drug use or unprotected sex
What happens during the procedure?
- It will only take a few minutes to have this test. Where the fluid is taken from depends on the part that is infected or suspected to be infected. Your doctor may ask you to cough up some mucus if you have a lung or throat infection. If you have a wound, pus from the wound is tested. If there is concern for a bloodstream infection, blood will be drawn out of your vein with a small needle.
- The fluid will go into a bottle or tube partly filled with other fluids. These are sent to the lab and kept in a special setting. Over a day or two, the germs will grow and increase if the sample is infected. 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 changing the bandage.
- Take prescribed drugs as ordered by the doctor.
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. � �
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry � �
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/wound-culture/tab/glance � �
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. � �