MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mycobacterial culture of suspected non-pulmonary site of pathology

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Mycobacterial culture of suspected non-pulmonary site of pathology

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

Liver culture

Alternative Names Return to top

Culture - mycobacterial of suspected non-pulmonary site of pathology

Definition Return to top

Mycobacterial culture of suspected non-pulmonary site of pathology is a test for the presence of tuberculosis or a related organism in a part of the body other than the lungs.

How the Test is Performed Return to top

A biopsy or aspiration of tissue or fluid is placed in appropriate culture media to detect the growth of tuberculosis or similar bacteria.

How to Prepare for the Test Return to top

The preparation depends on the suspected site of infection.

How the Test Will Feel Return to top

How the test will feel depends upon the type of fluid or tissue needed for the test. A biopsy or aspiration will be performed.

Why the Test is Performed Return to top

The test is performed when tuberculosis or a related infection is suspected outside the lungs.

Normal Results Return to top

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

What Abnormal Results Mean Return to top

Mycobacterium tuberculosis or similar bacteria is present in the culture.

Risks Return to top

The risks may include infection, bleeding, or perforation.

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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