Bile culture
Definition
Bile culture is a laboratory test to detect disease-causing germs (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) in the biliary system.
Alternative Names
Culture - bile
How the Test is Performed
A sample of
The bile sample is sent to a lab. There, it is placed in a special dish called a culture medium to see if bacteria, viruses, or fungi grow on the sample.
How to Prepare for the Test
Preparation depends on the specific method used to obtain the bile sample. Follow your health care provider's instructions exactly.
How the Test will Feel
If bile is taken during gallbladder surgery, you will feel no pain because you are asleep.
If bile is taken during ERCP, you will receive medicine to relax you. You may have some discomfort as the
Why the Test is Performed
This test is done to detect infection within the
Normal Results
The test result is normal if no bacteria, virus, or fungus grew in the laboratory dish.
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or may test different specimens. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal result means bacteria, fungus, or a virus grew in the laboratory dish. This may be a sign of infection.
Risks
Risks depend on the method used to take a sample of the bile. Your provider can explain these risks.
References
Hall GS, Woods GL. Medical bacteriology. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 58.
Kim AY, Chung RT. Bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections of the liver, including liver abscesses. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 84.
Review Date: 07/11/2019
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