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Gram stain of skin lesion How the Test is Performed:
A sample called a smear from a skin lesion scraping or skin lesion biopsy is applied in a very thin layer to a microscope slide. The specimen is stained with a violet stain known as a gram stain and then examined under the microscope for the presence of bacteria. The color, number, and morphologic appearance of the cells make it possible to identify the type of organism present.
How to Prepare:
Adult:
There is no special preparation. The test is often performed in a health care provider's office.
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:
How it Feels:
A scraping or biopsy of the skin lesion will be taken. The skin area will be cleansed to avoid contamination with bacteria on the surface of the skin. A local anesthetic may be injected into the skin if a biopsy is taken. A pin-prick sensation may be felt as the anesthetic is injected. There may be a sensation of pressure at the site of the scraping or biopsy.
Risks:
The risks are minimal and may include bleeding at the lesion or infection.
Why this Test is Performed:
The test is performed to determine if infection is present in a skin lesion , and if so, the causative bacteria.
Normal Values:
No bacteria are identified.
Abnormal Results:
Bacteria are found in the skin lesion . The causative bacteria can usually be identified.
Cost:
The estimated cost is $32 for laboratory processing of the specimen. Additional charges may apply.
Special Considerations:
A culture of the skin lesion may be performed in conjunction with the gram stain (see skin or mucosal biopsy culture ).
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