Aerobic Bacterial Culture, General
Also known as: Culture, Bacterial, General, Aerobic, Eye, Fluids, Routine Culture, Abscess, Wound
Use
Isolate and identify potentially pathogenic aerobic organisms. Susceptibility test is performed at additional charge when organisms isolated meet microbiologic criteria for clinical significance.
Special Instructions
The test request form must state the specific site of specimen, age of patient, and time of collection. Inclusion of current antibiotic therapy and clinical diagnosis may aid the laboratory in evaluating the specimen and work-up of the culture. If an unusual organism is suspected, this must be noted on the test request form, as it may result in additional charges. Specimens from sources like genital, stool, urine, or respiratory specimens cannot be cultured under this test number.
Limitations
Only rapid-growing, nonfastidious aerobic organisms can be recovered and identified by routine methods. Organisms that predominate will be identified unless fastidious organisms are specifically requested by the physician. This test does not detect anaerobic organisms, chlamydia, viruses, fungi, or mycobacteria. For extended incubation, a different test order may be required. Proper labeling and timely transport of specimens are crucial for accurate results.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 41852-5
- 41852-5
- 6463-4
- 23658-8
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Swab or 0.5 mL aseptically aspirated pus or tissue
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Sterile screw-cap container or bacterial swab transport; ESwab™ is acceptable
Collection Instructions
Disinfect contiguous areas of skin or mucous membrane containing resident normal flora prior to culture collection. Collect exudates from the interior of productive lesions. Tissue samples must be kept moist. A thin, air-dried smear for Gram stain obtained from the same site as the culture is strongly recommended (additional test).
Patient Preparation
Sterile preparation of the aspiration site is required.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Improper labeling; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; specimen received in expired transport media; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 48 hours)