Anaerobic Culture

Also known as: Anaerobic Culture, Abscess, Anaerobic Culture, Body Fluid, Anaerobic Culture, Wound, Culture, Anaerobic, Wound Anaerobic Culture

Clinical Use

Order Test

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

Not provided.

Limitations

Pleural fluid is preferred in cases of empyema, and blood cultures yield <5% positivity in anaerobic pulmonary infections. Specimens received in anaerobic transport containers are not optimal for aerobic fungus cultures. Mycobacteria or Nocardia spp. may not be recovered unless specific media and extended incubation are requested. Culture from sites with indigenous anaerobes may be misleading. Specific conditions must be noted for culture to be performed effectively.

Test Details

Methodology

Culture-based

Biomarkers

2 components

Anaerobic CultureSusceptibility Testing

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

41852-5 - Microorganism/Agent Spec

Result Codes

41852-5 - Microorganism/Agent Spec

Result Turnaround Time

4-7 days

Specimen

Tissue (Unknown)

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

Ensure proper growth of organisms by placing swabs/specimen in anaerobic transporter. Avoid contamination with indigenous flora. Collect pus/fluid by aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface cleaned with antiseptic. Deep aspiration/sampling of open lesions via sterile plastic catheter is preferred. Use anaerobic transports for swabs and aspirates.

Patient Preparation

Sterile preparation of the aspiration site is imperative.

Storage Instructions

Specimens should be maintained at room temperature and can survive 24 to 72 hours in anaerobic transport.

Causes for Rejection

Unlabeled specimen, name discrepancy, inappropriate transport container, expired transport, refrigeration of specimen, swab not stored in oxygen-free atmosphere.