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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
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Bile cultureDefinitionA bile culture is a laboratory test to detect disease-causing substances in the biliary system, which includes the gallbladder, bile ducts inside the liver, and bile ducts outside the liver. See also: Bile Alternative NamesCulture - bileWhy the Test is PerformedThis test is done to detect infection within the biliary system. The biliary system creates, moves, stores, and releases bile to help in digestion. How the Test is PerformedA 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). See also: The 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. How to Prepare for the TestPreparation depends on the specific method used to obtain the bile sample. See also: How the Test Will FeelA culture does not involve the patient, so there is no pain. See also: RisksA culture does not involve the patient, so there are no risks. Other risks depend on the method used to take a sample of the bile. Normal ResultsThe 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. What Abnormal Results MeanAn abnormal result means bacteria, fungus, or virus grew in the laboratory dish. This may be a sign of infection.
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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
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