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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