A colonic tissue culture is a laboratory test to check for
disease-causing bacteria, fungi, or viruses in a sample of
tissue from the large intestine. Colonic tissue culture The
doctor removes a piece of tissue from your large intestine
during a colonoscopy. For more information on how this procedure
is done, see colonoscopy. The sample is sent to a laboratory
where it is placed in a special dish containing a gel on which
microoganisms can grow, and stored at a certain temperature. The
laboratory team checks the sample daily to see if bacteria,
viruses, or fungi have grown. If certain microorganisms grow,
more tests will be done to further identify them. This helps
determine the best treatment. There is no specific preparation
needed for a culture. For information on how to prepare for the
procedure to remove a piece of tissue from your large intestine,
see colonoscopy. The laboratory culture does not involve the
patient, so there is no pain. For information on how it will
feel to have a piece of large intest