MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Bile culture

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Bile culture

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition How the Test is Performed How to Prepare for the Test How the Test Will Feel	Why the Test is Performed Normal Results What Abnormal Results Mean Risks Considerations

Illustrations

Bile culture

Alternative Names Return to top

Culture - bile

Definition Return to top

Bile culture is a test to detect infection in the biliary (liver secretion) tract.

How the Test is Performed Return to top

Through surgery or a procedure such as ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), a specimen of bile is obtained for examination in the laboratory. It is placed in culture media and observed for growth of microorganisms that are then identified.

The specimen may be obtained during or after gallbladder surgery from a tube to drain bile. A specimen may possibly be obtained during a radiology procedure to evaluate the gallbladder or biliary (liver secretion) system.

How to Prepare for the Test Return to top

The culture is usually tested in association with another procedure or surgery (see the specific procedure).

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

The method of sampling determines how the test will feel.

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

This test is performed to detect microorganisms within the biliary system.

Normal Results Return to top

No growth of the culture is normal.

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

Organisms in the bile may indicate an infection.

Risks Return to top

The risks depend on the method used to obtain bile.

Considerations Return to top

Not applicable.

Update Date: 2/10/2006

Updated by: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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