What is the Culture (Any Site) test?

The Culture (Any Site) test is a laboratory investigation used to identify bacteria or fungi from a collected sample taken from a specific area of the body. Common sample sites include urine, throat, wound swabs, skin, sputum, stool, genital samples, or other clinically relevant sites.

The sample is placed in a controlled laboratory environment that allows microorganisms to grow. Once growth occurs, the organism can be identified and, where appropriate, tested for antibiotic or antifungal sensitivity.

Culture testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing many infections, as it confirms the presence of live organisms rather than just antibodies or genetic material.

Why do I need a Culture test?

A culture test is required when there is suspicion of an active infection and identifying the exact cause is essential for effective treatment. Unlike screening tests, culture allows precise diagnosis and helps avoid unnecessary or ineffective antibiotics.

You may need a Culture (Any Site) test if you have:

• Persistent or recurrent infection symptoms
• Fever of unknown origin
• Localised pain, redness, swelling, or discharge
• Non-healing wounds
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Chronic cough or sputum production
• Genital symptoms such as discharge or irritation
• Infections not responding to treatment
• Need for antibiotic sensitivity testing

Culture testing is particularly important in complex or resistant infections.

Benefits of the Culture (Any Site) test

• Identifies the exact infectious organism
  Confirms bacterial or fungal cause.
• Guides targeted treatment
  Enables appropriate antibiotic or antifungal selection.
• Reduces unnecessary antibiotic use
  Helps prevent resistance.
• Gold-standard diagnostic method
  Detects live pathogens.
• Applicable to multiple body sites
  Flexible testing based on symptoms.
• Supports management of recurrent infections
  Helps identify resistant organisms.
• Essential for non-resolving infections
  Clarifies diagnosis when symptoms persist.
• Improves clinical outcomes
  Enables precise, evidence-based care.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access Culture testing UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Choose your nearest UK clinic. A healthcare professional will collect the appropriate sample from the required site.
2. At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
   A qualified phlebotomist or healthcare professional visits your home or hotel to collect the sample where appropriate.

Samples are sent to a UK laboratory for analysis. Turnaround time depends on the organism and site sampled.

Your results explained

No growth detected (Negative result)

No bacteria or fungi were grown from the sample, suggesting no active infection at the tested site.

Typical UK interpretation:

• No pathogenic organisms isolated

Normal flora / contaminant growth

Growth of organisms normally present at the sample site. Usually not clinically significant unless symptoms persist.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Commensal organisms detected

Pathogenic organism detected (Positive result)

Confirms infection. Antibiotic or antifungal sensitivity testing may be provided to guide treatment.

Typical UK interpretation:

• Specific pathogen identified
• Sensitivity profile reported if applicable

Results must always be interpreted alongside symptoms and clinical findings.