Definition of Bile culture:

A bile culture is a laboratory test to detect disease-causing microorganisms 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).

For information on those procedures, see:

• ERCP
• Gallbladder surgery

The bile fluid 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.

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 itself does not involve the patient, so there are no risks.

Other risks depend on the method used to take a sample of the bile.