Bartonella culture

This test detects the presence of a bacteria called Bartonella from blood, skin, lymph node, and other body tissues. It is used to diagnose urban trench fever, endocarditis, and cat scratch disease.

Laboratory tests may be done for many reasons. Tests are performed for routine health screenings or if a disease or toxicity is suspected. Lab tests may be used to determine if a medical condition is improving or worsening. Lab tests may also be used to measure the success or failure of a medication or treatment plan. Lab tests may be ordered for professional or legal reasons. You may need this test if you have:

• Bacillary angiomatosis
• Cat scratch fever
• Culture-negative endocarditis
• Trench fever

Blood:

Before having blood collected, tell the person drawing your blood if you are allergic to latex. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. Also tell the healthcare worker if you have felt nauseated, lightheaded, or have fainted while having blood drawn in the past.

Skin:

Written consent may be required for a skin biopsy. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions that you have before signing the consent form.

Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition, or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics.

Fluid/Tissue:

Written consent may be required for a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Review the consent form with the healthcare worker and ask any questions you have before signing the form. Tell the healthcare worker if you have a medical condition or are using a medication or supplement that causes excessive bleeding. You should also report if you have a history of allergic or other reactions to local anesthetics.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Ask your healthcare worker for information about how to prepare for this test. If you have questions or concerns about the preparation for this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

A sample of blood, skin, lymph nodes, and other body fluid or tissues may be collected for this test.

Blood:

When a blood sample from a vein is needed, a vein in your arm is usually selected. A tourniquet (large rubber strap) may be secured above the vein. The skin over the vein will be cleaned, and a needle will be inserted. You will be asked to hold very still while your blood is collected. Blood will be collected into one or more tubes, and the tourniquet will be removed. When enough blood has been collected, the healthcare worker will take the needle out.

Skin:

Skin tissue biopsies may be collected using the excision, punch, or shave methods. After a biopsy site is selected and cleaned, local anesthetic will be given to numb the area. If excision is done, a scalpel is used to completely remove a skin area such as a growth or lesion. If the punch method is used, a hollow tool is rotated on the sample area to obtain a tiny core of tissue, which is then removed with tweezers. If the shave method is used, only tissue that sticks out above the skin line (such as a growth) will be removed.

Fluid/Tissue:

A fine needle aspiration biopsy is used to collect fluid, or take small tissue samples from a cyst, lump or mass. First, the area over the biopsy site will be cleaned. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.

A very tiny needle will be inserted into the area selected for testing. If fluid is present, it will be withdrawn from the area using a syringe. If a tissue sample is required for testing, the needle may be moved back and forth to get enough tissue. When sample collection is complete, the needle will be removed.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Methods used to collect other body fluids or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to explain how this sample may be collected. If you have questions or concerns about this test, talk to the healthcare worker.

The amount of discomfort you feel will depend on many factors, including your sensitivity to pain. Communicate how you are feeling with the person doing the procedure. Inform the person doing the procedure if you feel that you cannot continue with the procedure.

Blood:

During a blood draw, you may feel mild discomfort at the location where the blood sample is being collected.

Skin:

Before the skin biopsy, a local anesthetic is given to the procedure site to numb the area. You may feel mild discomfort or stinging when the numbing medicine is injected. After the medication wears off, the biopsy area may be sore for several days.

Fluid/Tissue:

A local anesthetic is used to minimize pain during a fine needle aspiration biopsy. Even when local anesthetic is used, you may feel discomfort or pressure as the needle is inserted and moved during the procedure. After the biopsy, the procedure site may be sore for several days.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. This test may feel different depending on many factors, including the sample needed and how it is collected. Ask the healthcare worker what to expect during this test.

Blood:

After a blood sample is collected from your vein, a bandage, cotton ball, or gauze may be placed on the area where the needle was inserted. You may be asked to apply pressure to the area. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after your blood draw. Contact your healthcare worker if you feel pain or see redness, swelling, or discharge from the puncture site.

Skin:

After a skin biopsy is completed, pressure may be held on the area, and a dressing placed over the biopsy site. If the incision is large or deep, stitches, staples, or adhesive strips may be used to close the biopsy site. Ask for instructions for how to care for the bandage and how to monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Contact your healthcare worker if you have a fever or increased pain, and if you see redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Fluid/Tissue:

After a fine needle biopsy, pressure may be held to the site briefly and a small bandage will be placed over the biopsy site. Ask for instructions for when to remove the dressing and how to monitor for signs and symptoms of infection. Contact your healthcare worker if you have a fever or increased pain, and if you see increasing redness, swelling, or pus at the procedure site.

Other body fluid or tissue samples:

A different sample other than the samples listed above may be used for this test. Instructions for what to do after a collection of other body fluid or tissue samples may vary. Ask the healthcare worker to instruct you on what to expect after this test is completed. If you have questions or concerns about what to expect after the test is completed, talk to the healthcare worker.

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.