DefinitionAn ear drainage culture is a laboratory test to check for infection-causing substances in a sample of fluid, pus, wax, or blood from the ear.See also: Ear drainageAlternative NamesCulture - ear drainageHow the test is performedA sample of ear drainage is needed. Your health care provider will use a cotton swab to collect the sample from inside the outer ear canal. In some cases, a sample is collected from the middle ear during ear surgery.The sample is sent to a laboratory and placed on a special dish (culture media).The lab team checks the dish every day to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses have grown. Further tests may be done to specifically identify any substances and determine the best treatment.How to prepare for the testNo preparation is needed for a lab culture.How the t