DefinitionLymph node culture is a laboratory test performed on a lymph node to identify microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that cause infection and lymph node swelling.Alternative NamesCulture - lymph nodeHow the test is performedA sample of fluid from a lymph node is needed. This may be done using a needle to draw out fluid (aspiration) or during a lymph node biopsy.The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in a special dish and watched to see if bacteria, fungi, or viruses grow. This is called a culture. Sometimes special stains are also used to identify specific cells or microorganisms.If needle aspiration does not provide a good enough sample, the entire lymph node may be removed and sent for culture and other testing.How to prepare for the testThere is no specia