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.

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 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