Bile culture

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Bile culture

Bile culture is a test to detect infection in the biliary (liver secretion) tract.

Culture - bile

Through surgery or a procedure such as ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography), a specimen of bile is obtained for examination in the laboratory. It is placed in culture media and observed for growth of microorganisms that are then identified.

The specimen may be obtained during or after gallbladder surgery from a tube to drain bile. A specimen may possibly be obtained during a radiology procedure to evaluate the gallbladder or biliary (liver secretion) system.

The culture is usually tested in association with another procedure or surgery (see the specific procedure).

The method of sampling determines how the test will feel.

This test is performed to detect microorganisms within the biliary system.

Review Date: 02/10/2006
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.