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Medical Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia -> Test -> S -> Skin or mucosal biopsy culture

Skin or mucosal biopsy culture

Alternate Names: Mucosal or skin biopsy; Culture - skin or mucosal biopsy

How Performed: A small piece of skin or mucous membrane is obtained and placed in culture media in the laboratory. It is observed for the growth of colonies of microorganisms. When growth is observed, the microorganisms are identified and classified.

How To Prepare: The preparation is the same as for a skin biopsy. See also Gum biopsy.

How It Feels: A sample of skin or mucus membrane can be taken by 1 of 3 methods: a shave biopsy (scraping or shaving a thin layer), a punch biopsy (using a needle or punch to obtain a small, but deeper, sample), or an excision of tissue (cutting to remove a piece of tissue). You will be given local anesthesia to numb the site.

Risks: There may be bleeding, slow healing, or infection.

Why Performed: The test may be performed as part of the diagnosis of chronic infections of the skin or mucous membranes.

Normal Values: No presence of organisms is normal.

Abnormal Results: Bacterial or fungal growth is present (infection).

Cost:

Special Considerations: Not applicable.

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