Anaerobic and Aerobic Culture
Also known as: Anaerobic Culture, Abscess, Anaerobic Culture, Body Fluid, Anaerobic Culture, Wound, Culture, Anaerobic, Wound Anaerobic Culture
Use
Isolate and identify anaerobic pathogenic organisms; determine susceptibility of isolates (extra charge). When actinomycetes are suspected, a specific request must be made. Anaerobic cultures are indicated particularly when suspected infections are related to gastrointestinal tract, pelvic organs, associated with malignancy, related to use of aminoglycosides, or occur in a setting in which the diagnosis of gas gangrene or actinomycosis is considered. Anaerobic culture is especially indicated when an exudate has a foul odor or if the exudate has a grayish discoloration and is hemorrhagic. Frequently, more than one organism is recovered from an anaerobic infection.
Special Instructions
The test requires that the specific site of specimen, age of patient, current antibiotic therapy, clinical diagnosis, and time of collection be stated on the request form. If an unusual organism such as Actinomyces is suspected, this information must be specifically noted. A Gram Stain is recommended alongside anaerobic cultures, which must be ordered separately. Specimens such as aspirates are preferred over swabs.
Limitations
Certain sources are only appropriate for meaningful anaerobic culture: blood, pleural fluid, transtracheal aspirates, and transthoracic pulmonary aspirates. Bronchoscopically obtained specimens are suboptimal due to contamination potential. Mycobacterium or Nocardia species, which require special media and extended incubation, will not be recovered with standard methods. Specimens from sites with indigenous anaerobic flora like throat and vaginal swabs, and others will not be used for anaerobic culture.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 21020-3
- 635-3
- 634-6
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
0.5 mL pus, or other fluid or tissue from aspirated site
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Anaerobic transport or aerobic/anaerobic bacterial swab transport containing gel medium; ESwab™ transport
Collection Instructions
Some anaerobes will be killed by contact with oxygen. Disinfect overlying and adjacent areas carefully. Use needle aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface after cleaning with antiseptic. Deep aspiration using a sterile plastic catheter is recommended. If irrigation is necessary, use nonbacteriostatic sterile normal saline. Transtracheal percutaneous needle aspiration or other specialized procedures should be performed by trained physicians.
Patient Preparation
Sterile preparation of the aspiration site is imperative.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimens for anaerobic culture at room temperature. Aerobes and anaerobes will survive 24 to 72 hours when properly collected in the anaerobic transport tube.
Causes for Rejection
Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy, improper transport tube, incorrect media, refrigeration, or prolonged delay in transport.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 to 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | Not recommended |