Test Detail

Anaerobic and Aerobic Culture

Test Code:

008003

Performing Lab: LABCORP

CPT Code:

87075 87070

Order Information
Results
Reflex

Synonym	Anaerobic Culture, Abscess; Anaerobic Culture, Body Fluid; Anaerobic Culture, Wound; Culture, Anaerobic; Wound Anaerobic Culture
Specimen Container	Anaerobic transport OR aerobic/anaerobic bacterial swab transport containing gel medium; ESwab(TM) tranport
Volume	Swab in anaerobic transporter or ESwab(TM) transport, 0.5 mL pus, OR other fluid or tissue from aspirated site in anaerobic transporter
Temperature	Specimens for anaerobic culture should be maintained at room temperature. Under these conditions, aerobes and anaerobes will survive 24 to 72 hours when properly collected in the anaerobic transport tube. Storage of specimens in the ESwab(TM) transport at room temperature for greater than 48 hours may result in diminished recovery of certain anaerobic species.
Specimen Handling	Some anaerobes will be killed by contact with molecular oxygen for only a few seconds. Overlying and adjacent areas must be carefully disinfected to eliminate contamination with indigenous flora. Ideally, pus or other fluid obtained by needle aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface that has been cleaned with antiseptic should be collected. Sampling of open lesions is enhanced by deep aspiration using a sterile plastic catheter. Curettings of the base of an open lesion are optimal. If irrigation is necessary, nonbacteriostatic sterile normal saline may be used. Lower respiratory samples must be obtained by transtracheal percutaneous needle aspiration, transbronchial biopsy, transthoracic needle biopsy, or open lung biopsy by physicians trained in these procedures. If swabs must be used, collect two, use one for Gram stain and one for culture. Anaerobic transports must be used for swabs and for aspirates. Specimens are to be collected from a prepared site using sterile technique. Contamination with normal flora from skin, rectum, vaginal tract, or other body surfaces must be avoided.
Patient Prep	Sterile preparation of the aspiration site is imperative.
Specimen Type	Pus, tissue, OR other material properly obtained from an abscess, biopsy, aspirate, drainage, exudate, lesion, or wound. To ensure proper growth of organisms, place swabs/specimen in anaerobic transporter. Do NOT refrigerate.
Methodology	Anaerobic and aerobic culture
Unacceptable Conditions	Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and test request label; specimen not received in appropriate anaerobic transport tube; swab not in gel transport medium or ESwab(TM) transport; swab not stored in oxygen-free atmosphere; specimen refrigerated; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 48 hours). NOTE: Refrigeration inhibits viability of certain anaerobic organisms. Specimens from sites that have anaerobic bacteria as indigenous flora will not be cultured anaerobically (eg, throat, feces, colostomy stoma, rectal swabs, bronchial washes, cervical-vaginal mucosal swabs, sputa, skin and superficial wounds, voided or catheterized urine, ulcer surfaces, drainages onto contaminated surfaces).

Result Code	Result Name	LOINC
008004	Anaerobic Culture	635-3
008005	Aerobic Culture	634-6

Reflex Order Code	Reflex Order Name
080550	Result
080290	Result