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Lymph node culture

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Definition:

Lymph node culture is a laboratory test performed on a lymph node to identify organisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungus) that cause infection.

Alternative Names:

Culture - lymph node

How the test is performed:

A needle aspiration or biopsy of an enlarged lymph node ( swollen glands ) is obtained. The fluid is placed in culture media and observed for growth in the laboratory. Sometimes special stains are also done.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation necessary.

How the test will feel:

The site may be numbed with a local anesthetic before the node is aspirated. There may be some pain when the needle is inserted into the lymph node.

Why the test is performed:

The test may be performed if the cause of swollen glands is not known, and infection is suspected.

• Review Date: 2/10/2006
• Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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