Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation
Use
Isolate and identify anaerobic pathogenic organisms, including Propionibacterium acnes; determine susceptibility of isolates (extra charge). Culture is held for seven days if source is IUD or request for actinomycetes; other requests are held for 14 days. For additional information on anaerobic cultures, see Anaerobic Culture [008904].
Special Instructions
Ensure proper growth of organisms by placing swabs/specimen in anaerobic transporter. Do not refrigerate specimens as refrigeration inhibits the viability of certain anaerobic organisms. If swabs must be used, collect two; use one for Gram stain and one for culture.
Limitations
Specimens from sites with indigenous anaerobic flora (e.g., throat, feces, rectal swabs) will not routinely be cultured anaerobically. Unlabeled specimens or those with a name discrepancy between specimen and test request label are grounds for rejection. Additionally, specimens not received in appropriate anaerobic transport tube, expired transports, or swabs not stored in an oxygen-free atmosphere are also causes for rejection.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 635-3
- 635-3
- 6463-4
- 23658-8
Result Turnaround Time
14-18 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Swab in anaerobic transporter or ESwab™ transport, or 0.5 mL pus, other fluid or tissue from aspirated site in anaerobic transporter
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Anaerobic transport; aerobic/anaerobic swab transport containing gel medium; ESwab™ transport; anaerobic blood culture bottle
Collection Instructions
Overlying and adjacent areas must be disinfected to eliminate contamination. Ideally, pus or other fluid obtained by needle aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface should be collected. Sampling of open lesions is enhanced by deep aspiration using a sterile plastic catheter.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimens at room temperature. Under these conditions, anaerobes will survive 24 to 72 hours in the anaerobic transport tube.
Causes for Rejection
Unlabeled specimen, name discrepancy, inappropriate anaerobic transport tube, expired transport, swab not in gel transport medium or ESwab™ transport, refrigerated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 to 72 hours |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant