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Definition:
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Bronchoscopic culture is a laboratory exam to check a piece of tissue or fluid from the lungs for infection-causing organisms.
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Alternative Names:
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Culture - bronchoscopic
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How the test is performed:
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A sample of lung tissue is needed. For information on how that sample is obtained, see: Bronchoscopy
The sample is sent to a laboratory, and placed in a special dish (culture media) that allows bacteria, fungi, mycobacteria, or viruses to grow. The sample is placed under a microscope and examined daily for the presence of bacteria or other infection-causing organisms. Treatment is based on the results of the culture.
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How to prepare for the test:
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This article discusses the culture test. For information on preparing for the procedure to take the tissue sample, see: Bronchoscopy
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Why the test is performed:
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A bronchoscopic culture is done to find infection in the lung that cannot be accurately detected by a sputum culture. The procedure may find evidence of infection, such as:
- Abnormal secretions
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Abscesses
- Inflammation
- Obstructive lesions such as cancer or foreign bodies
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Normal Values:
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No organisms are seen on the culture.
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What abnormal results mean:
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Abnormal culture results usually indicate a respiratory infection. The infection may be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, mycobacteria, or fungi. The results of the culture will help determine the best treatment.
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What the risks are:
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There are no risks involved with the laboratory culture. For risks involved with the bronchoscopy procedure, see: Bronchoscopy
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References:
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Torres A, Menéndez R, Wunderlink R. Pyogenic bacterial pneumonia and lung abscess. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al. Murray & Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010;chap 32.
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