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Culture - lymph node DefinitionLymph node culture is a laboratory test done on a sample from a lymph node to identify germs that cause infection. How the Test is PerformedA sample is needed from a lymph node. The sample may be taken using a needle to draw fluid (aspiration) from the lymph node or during a lymph node biopsy. The sample is sent to a laboratory. There, it is placed in a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow. This process is called a culture. Sometimes, special stains are also used to identify specific cells or microorganisms before culture results are available. If needle aspiration does not provide a good enough sample, the entire lymph node may be removed and sent for culture and other testing. How to Prepare for the TestYour health care provider will instruct you on how to prepare for the lymph node sampling. How the Test will FeelWhen local anesthetic is injected, you will feel a prick and a mild stinging sensation. The site will likely be sore for a few days after the test. Why the Test is PerformedYour provider may order this test if you have swollen glands and infection is suspected. Normal ResultsA normal result means there was no growth of microorganisms on the lab dish. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results. What Abnormal Results MeanAbnormal results are a sign of a bacterial, fungal, mycobacterial, or viral infection. RisksRisks may include:
ReferencesFerry JA. Infectious lymphadenitis. In: Kradin RL, ed. Diagnostic Pathology of Infectious Disease. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 12. Pasternack MS. Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 95. | |
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Review Date: 12/31/2023 Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |