Wound Culture
Definition
A wound culture is a diagnostic laboratory test in which microorganisms—such as bacteria or fungi from an infected wound, are grown in the laboratory on nutrient-enriched substance called media—then identified. Wound cultures always include aerobic (with oxygen) culture, but direct smear evaluation by Gram stain and anaerobic (without oxygen) culture are not performed on every wound. These tests are performed when indicated or requested by the physician.
Purpose
The purpose of a wound culture is to isolate and identify bacteria or fungi causing an infection of the wound. Only then can antibiotics that will be effective in destroying the organism can be identified.
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