Lymph node culture

Alternative names:

culture - lymph node

How the test is performed:

A needle aspiration of an enlarged lymph node (swollen glands) is obtained. The fluid is placed in culture medica and observed for growth in the laboratory.

How to prepare for the test:

Adults:
There is no special preparation.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• 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:

The site may be anesthetized with a local anesthetic before the node is aspirated. There may be some pain when the needle is inserted into the lymph node.

Why the test is performed:

The test may be performed if plague is suspected. It may rarely be done when other types of infection are suspected.