Bacterial Wound Culture
Also known as: Aerobic wound culture; Anaerobic wound culture
Formal name: Culture, wound
Related tests: Gram stain, Susceptibility testing, Blood culture, Urine culture, AFB smear and culture, Fungal culture, MRSA screening
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To detect a bacterial wound infection, to determine which specific bacteria are present, and to isolate and grow the bacteria for subsequent susceptibility testing
When to Get Tested?
When the doctor suspects that your wound is infected by a pathogenic microorganism; sometimes after treatment of an infection to evaluate its effectiveness
Sample Required?
A sterile swab used to collect cells or pus from the site of the suspected infection; may also include aspirations of fluid from deeper wounds into a syringe and/or a tissue biopsy
Test Preparation Needed?
None
