Mycobacterial culture : MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Mycobacterial culture is a test to look for the bacteria that cause tuberculosis and similar infections.

T How the Test is Performed
P A sample of body fluid or tissue is needed. This sample may be taken from the lungs, liver, or bone marrow.
P Most often, a sputum sample will be taken. To obtain a sample, you will be asked to cough deeply and spit out the material that comes up from your lungs.
P A biopsy or aspiration may also be done.
P The sample is sent to a laboratory. There it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched for up to 6 weeks to see if the bacteria grow.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P Preparation depends on how the test is done. Follow your health care provider's instructions.

T How the Test will Feel
P How the test will feel depends on the specific procedure. Your health care provider can discuss this with you before the test.

T Why the Test is Performed
P Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of tuberculosis or a related infection.

T Normal Results
P If there is no disease present, there will be no growth of bacteria in the culture medium.

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Mycobacterium tuberculosis or similar bacteria is present in the culture.

T Risks
P Risks depend on the specific biopsy or aspiration being performed.

T Alternative Names
P Culture - mycobacterial

T Images
- Liver culture

T References
P Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Culture - routine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:409-411.
P Fitzgerald DW, Sterling TR, Haas DW. Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 251.

T Review Date 12/10/2015
P Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

