Lymph node culture is a laboratory test performed on a lymph node to identify microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that cause infection.
Alternative Names:
Culture - lymph node
How the test is performed:
A sample of fluid from a lymph node is needed. This may be done using a needle to draw out fluid (aspiration) or during a lymph node biopsy.
The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed on a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungus, or viruses grow. This is called a culture. Sometimes special stains are also used.
If needle aspiration does not provide a good enough sample, the entire lymph node may be removed and sent for culture.
How to prepare for the test:
There is no special preparation needed for the lab test. For information on how to prepare for the lymph node sample, see: lymph node biopsy.
How the test will feel:
For information on how the removal of the lymph node sample may feel, see: lymph node biopsy.
Review Date: 12/3/2007
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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