| Cultures |
Samples of blood, urine, sputum (lung
secretions) and other body fluids or tissues are often sent to
the microbiology laboratory for testing. These tests are
designed to determine whether or not germs (bacteria, viruses,
fungi, and other microorganisms) are present and causing
illness. The samples are studied under the microscope and then
are cultured. Culturing means that the samples are prepared and
stored in a way that promotes germ growth. Often within 48-72
hours the laboratory is able to determine which germs are
causing the problem and which antibiotics are most effective
against the germs. Sometimes the germs do not grow in the
culture even though the patient has an obvious infection.
|
|
|
Cultures 
