What is it used for?Bacteria culture tests are used to help diagnose certain types of infections. The most common types of bacteria tests and their uses are listed below.Throat CultureUsed to diagnose or rule out strep throatTest procedure:Your health care provider will insert a special swab into your mouth to take a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils.Urine CultureUsed to diagnose a urinary tract infection and identify the bacteria causing the infectionTest procedure:You will provide a sterile sample of urine in a cup, as instructed by your health care provider.Sputum CultureSputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. It is different from spit or saliva.Used to help diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract. These include bacterial pneumonia and bronchitis.Test procedure:You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup as instructed by your provider; or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.Blood CultureUsed to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodTest procedure:A health care professional will need a blood sample. The sample is most often taken from a vein in your arm.Stool CultureAnother name for stool is feces.Used to detect infections caused by bacteria or parasites in the digestive system. These include food poisoning and other digestive illnesses.Test procedure:You will provide a sample of your feces in a clean container as instructed by your health care provider.Wound CultureUsed to detect infections on open wounds or on burn injuriesTest procedure:Your health care provider will use a special swab to collect a sample from the site of your wound.
