Cultures
This culture helps to identify the bacteria that causing the skin or ear infection and the sensitivity helps to identify which antibiotics may work best against the bacteria isolated. The culture sample are most commonly taken via a swab. Deeper infections may require a tissue sample which is obtained via a skin biopsy.
Ringworm PCR/Culture
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the hair, outer skin layers and nails. Ringworm is also known as dermatophytosis. Ringworm is not a worm.
To identify ringworm in your pet, hairs and scale (and sometimes nails) are sampled and sent to the laboratory where PCR and ringworm culture are performed. Ringworm PCR results are typically back within 1-3 days. Ringworm culture results typically take 1-4 weeks to get results.
Other Cultures
Occasionally culturing for other organisms such as fungal infections (other than ringworm), mycobacteria and anaerobic bacteria may be needed.