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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Tests & Exams > Ear drainage culture

Ear drainage culture

Alternate Names : Culture - ear drainage

Definition

An ear drainage culture is a laboratory test to check for infection-causing substances in a sample of fluid, pus, wax, or blood from the ear.

See also: Ear drainage

Why is the Test Performed?

The test may be done if you or your child has:

  • An ear infection that is not responding to treatment
  • An infection of the outer ear (otitis externa)
  • An ear infection with a ruptured eardrum and draining fluid

It may also be done as a routine part of myringotomy.

Note: Ear infections are diagnosed based on symptoms rather than using a culture.

How is the Test Performed?

A sample of ear drainage is needed. Your health care provider will use a cotton swab to collect the sample from inside the outer ear canal. In some cases, a sample is collected from the middle ear during ear surgery.

The sample is sent to a laboratory and placed on a special dish (culture media).

The lab team checks the dish every day to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses have grown. Further tests may be done to specifically identify any substances and determine the best treatment.

How to Prepare for the Test?

No preparation is needed for a lab culture.

How will the Test Feel?

No pain is associated with using a cotton swab to take a sample of drainage from the outer ear. However, ear pain may be present if the ear is infected.

Ear surgery is performed under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and feel no pain. See: myringotomy.

Pictures & Images

Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy
Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Ear drainage culture
Ear drainage culture

   
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Review Date : 3/2/2009
Reviewed By : Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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