The presence of no organisms in the culture (a sterile culture) is normal.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal results indicate an infection in the joint. The infection may be bacterial, mycobacterial, or fungal. The results tell the doctor which organism is causing the infection. This helps determine the most effective medication.
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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