Robert Whitfield MDAmerica's Breast Implant Illness Expert™

Culture vs Sequencing: What Biofilm Tests Can Tell Us

8 Sept 2026 · 1 min

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In this introductory segment, Dr. Robert Whitfield MD explains that culture and next‑generation sequencing answer different diagnostic questions when investigating a possible link between microbial biofilm and capsular contracture. Culture attempts to grow organisms under specific laboratory conditions, whereas sequencing detects microbial DNA even when organisms fail to grow. However, DNA detection alone cannot confirm organism viability, the presence of a mature biofilm, or an active infection. Dr. Whitfield notes that a later segment will cover methodological changes and how to interpret test results.

To understand a possible relationship between biofilm and capture contracture, remember that culture and next-generation sequencing answer different questions. Culture attempts to grow organisms under specific laboratory conditions. Sequencing can detect microbial DNA, including when an organism does not grow in culture. But DNA detection cannot tell us by itself whether an organism is alive, whether a mature biofilm is present, or whether there is an active infection. Thursday, I will explain why the method changes, how we interpret the results.