HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Skin and Wound Cultures
Results
A skin or wound culture is a test to find and identify germs (such as bacteria, a Reference fungus Opens New Window, or a virus) that may be growing on the skin or in a wound.
Some types of bacteria, fungi, and viruses grow quickly in culture, and some grow slowly. Test results may take from one day to several weeks, depending on the type of infection suspected.
| Normal: |
No large numbers of harmful germs are found on the skin or in the wound. Normal culture results are negative. |
|---|---|
| Abnormal: |
Harmful germs are found on the skin or in the wound. Abnormal culture results are positive. |
If test results are positive, Reference sensitivity testing may be done help make decisions about treatment.
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