Definition of Bile culture:

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.

See also: 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).

See also:

• ERCP
• Gallbladder surgery

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.

See also:

• ERCP
• Gallbladder surgery

How the test will feel:

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

See also:

• ERCP
• Gallbladder surgery

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.