Health Encyclopedia

Bile culture

Definition

A 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.

Alternative Names

Culture - bile

How the test is performed

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 more information on how these procedures are performed, see:

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 test

Preparation depends on the specific method used to obtain the bile sample.

For more information, see:

How the test will feel

A culture does not involve the patient, so there is no pain.

For more information on what it may feel like to have a bile sample removed, see:

Why the test is performed

This test is done to detect infection within the biliary system. The biliary system creates, moves, stores, and releases bile to help in digestion.

Normal Values

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.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal result means bacteria, fungus, or virus grew in the laboratory dish. This may be a sign of infection.

What the risks are

A 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.

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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