Definition of Skin culture:

A skin culture is a laboratory test to look for and identify disease-causing substances in a sample of skin. It is called a mucosal culture if the sample involves the mucous membranes.

How the test is performed:

A sample of skin or mucous membrane is needed. For information on how this is done, see:

• Skin lesion biopsy
• Gum biopsy

The sample is sent to a laboratory and placed in a special dish (called a culture medium). The laboratory team checks the dish at different time periods to see if a bacteria, virus, or fungus has grown. Further tests can be done to identify the specific organism and determine the best treatment.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no preparation needed for a culture. For information on how to prepare for a skin or mucosal sample, see:

• Skin lesion biopsy
• Gum biopsy

How the test will feel:

The laboratory test does not involve the patient, so it is painless. For information on how it may feel to give a skin or mucosal sample, see:

• Skin lesion biopsy
• Gum biopsy

Why the test is performed:

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs or symptoms of an acute or chronic infection of the skin or mucous membranes.