Objective To explore the application value of Mycoplasma pneumoniae （MP） rapid culture technique for diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infections （LRTIs ） inpatients. Methods 120 LRTIs inpatients in respiratory ward，Anzhen hospital from January 1，2010 to December 31，2010，were recruited in this study. Their pharynx swabs were obtained for rapid MP culture and the serum antibody detection of MP was performed by Gelatin particle agglutination method. Results There were 33 positive yields in 120 LRTIs patients by rapid culture method and 24 positive yields by serological assay. The positive rates were 27.5% and 20.0% respectively. There was no significant difference in the two detecting methods （Pgt;0.05）. Conclusions MP rapid culture method is a better early diagnostic method at the present. MP rapid culture method combined with serological detection can improve the positive yield and avoid missed diagnosis.