Rapid methods are described for assessing the bacterial contamination, using direct phase-contrast microscopy, triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) test, and a standard loop 3 mm in diameter, or by the detection of the biliary 'active' leukocytes and the microflora sensitivity to antibacterial drugs with the use of the TTC test and turbidimetric technique. These methods permit getting an answer in 4-24 hrs, are simple, and do not require special bacteriologic equipment, this recommending them for routine clinical studies.