Mycobacterial culture is a test to look for tuberculosis or a related organism in the body. It can be done on tissue taken from the bone marrow, liver, or lungs.
See also:
Culture - mycobacterial
A sample of body fluid or tissue is needed. A biopsy or aspiration will be done, depending on the suspected site of infection.
The sample is placed in a special laboratory dish (culture media) and watched to see if tuberculosis or similar bacteria grow.
The preparation depends on the suspected site of infection.
For details, see:
How the test will feel depends on the specific procedure.
For details, see:
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of tuberculosis or a related infection.
If there is no disease present, there will be no growth of bacteria in the culture medium.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis or similar bacteria is present in the culture.
Risks depend on the specific biopsy or aspiration being performed. There are no risks associated with the culture itself.
Iseman MD. Tuberculosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 345.
Review Date: 12/1/2009
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