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.

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.

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

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

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

A normal result means no disease-causing organisms are seen on the skin or mucosal sample.

Some microorganisms normally live on the skin. These are not a sign of infection and are considered a normal finding.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

An abnormal result means a bacteria, fungus, or virus is present. This may be a sign of infection.

A laboratory culture does not pose a risk to the patient. For information on risks related to removing a sample of skin or mucosal tissue, see:

• Skin lesion biopsy
• Gum biopsy