Bronchoscopic culture
Definition
Bronchoscopic culture is a laboratory exam to check a piece of tissue or fluid from the lungs for infection-causing germs.
Alternative Names
Culture - bronchoscopic
How the Test is Performed
A procedure called
The sample is sent to a laboratory. There, it is placed in a special dish (culture). It is then watched to see if bacteria or other disease-causing germs grow. Treatment is based on the results of the culture.
How to Prepare for the Test
Follow your health care provider's instructions on how to prepare for bronchoscopy.
How the Test will Feel
Your provider will tell you what to expect during bronchoscopy.
Why the Test is Performed
A bronchoscopic culture is done to find infection in the lung that cannot be accurately detected by a
- Abnormal secretions
- Abnormal lung tissue
Abscesses - Inflammation
- Obstructive lesions, such as cancer or foreign bodies
Normal Results
No organisms are seen on the culture.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal culture results usually indicate a respiratory infection. The infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycobacteria, or fungi. The results of the culture will help determine the best treatment.
Not all organisms found with bronchoscopic culture need to be treated. Your provider will tell you more about this if needed.
Risks
Your provider can discuss the risks of the bronchoscopy procedure with you.
References
Beamer S, Jaroszewski DE, Viggiano RW, Smith ML. Optimal processing of diagnostic lung specimens. In: Leslie KO, Wick MR, eds. Practical Pulmonary Pathology: A Diagnostic Approach. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 3.
Kupeli E, Feller-Kopman D, Mehta AC. Diagnostic bronchoscopy. In: Broaddus VC, Mason RJ, Ernst JD, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 22.
Review Date: 10/23/2017
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