MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Lung needle biopsy culture

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Lung needle biopsy culture

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel	Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Illustrations

Lungs

Lung tissue biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Culture - lung needle biopsy

Definition Return to top

This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection from a lung specimen.

How the test is performed Return to top

A needle biopsy of the lung tissue is obtained by either putting a needle into the chest wall and then lung, or by doing a bronchoscopy and taking an internal needle biopsy. The tissue is sent to the laboratory. The tissue sample will be placed in special media and observed for the growth of organisms.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Before a needle biopsy of the lung, a chest x-ray, CT scan of the chest, or bronchoscopy has been performed. A mild sedative may precede the biopsy. You must sign a consent form. It is important to remain as still as possible for the biopsy and to refrain from coughing.

For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

A lung needle biopsy is preceded by a local injection of anesthetic. You will feel pressure and brief sharp pain when the needle touches the lung.

Why the test is performed Return to top

A lung needle biopsy culture is performed when infection of the lung is suspected and sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage (see Bronchoscopy with lavage "BAL") cultures have not identified the cause of the infection.

Normal Values Return to top

No growth is normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results may indicate a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the lung.

What the risks are Return to top

The risks include infection, bleeding, and pneumothorax (a collapsed lung).

Special considerations Return to top

Not applicable.

Update Date: 1/19/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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