Bone marrow culture is an examination of the soft, fatty tissue found inside certain bones. The bone marrow tissue produces blood cells. This test is done to look for an infection inside the bone marrow. Bone marrow cultures are commonly obtained in the evaluation of fever of unknown origin, particularly for patients who are immunosuppressed. In the effort to identify the cause of systemic infection, BMCs are often performed in conjunction with blood cultures and cultures of other body fluids and tissues

Positive cultures of Bacteria and yeast are reported with the organism identification and susceptiblity testing. Positive cultures are usually an indication of infection and are reported as soon as detected. Correlation of culture results and the clinical situation is required for optimal patient management. A final negative report is issued after 5 days of incubation.