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Definition:
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A bile culture is a laboratory test to detect disease-causing microorganisms in the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder, bile ducts inside the liver, and bile ducts outside the liver.
See also: Bile
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Alternative Names:
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Culture - bile
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How the test is performed:
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A sample of bile (a digestive fluid) is needed. This can be done using different methods, including gallbladder surgery or a scope procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
For information on those procedures, see:
The bile fluid sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is stored in a special dish (called a culture medium). The laboratory team watches to see if any bacteria, virus, or fungus grows on the sample.
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How to prepare for the test:
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Preparation depends on the specific method used to obtain the bile sample.
See also:
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How the test will feel:
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A culture does not involve the patient, so there is no pain.
See also:
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Why the test is performed:
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This test is done to detect infection within the biliary system. The biliary system creates, moves, stores, and releases bile to help in digestion.
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Normal Values:
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The test result is normal if no bacteria, virus, or fungus grew in the laboratory dish.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
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What abnormal results mean:
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An abnormal result means bacteria, fungus, or virus grew in the laboratory dish. This may be a sign of infection.
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What the risks are:
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A culture itself does not involve the patient, so there are no risks.
Other risks depend on the method used to take a sample of the bile.
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References:
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Afdhal NH. Diseases of the gallbladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 159.
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