Anaerobic 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
Gram Stain is recommended with all anaerobic cultures and must be ordered separately. Test request forms must state the specific site of specimen, age of the patient, current antibiotic therapy, clinical diagnosis, and time of collection. If an unusual organism is suspected, this must be noted. Specimens should be collected to avoid contamination with indigenous flora. Sites inappropriate for anaerobic culture include the throat, nasopharynx, sputum, gastrointestinal contents, and urogenital swabs.
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.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 41852-5
- 41852-5
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
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.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 to 72 hours |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant