Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Is, Why It's Done, and What Your Results Mean
This test detects the genetic material (DNA) of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria in respiratory samples to help diagnose lung infections.
{"Detects harmful bacteria that can cause severe pneumonia, especially in hospitalized patients","Uses advanced molecular technology to identify bacterial DNA in respiratory specimens","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics for treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96317-3
- Short code
- ACB complex DNA
- Synonyms
- ACB cmplx DNA L resp NAA+non-prb-NCncRng
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container for sputum; sterile bronchoscopy collection container for BAL or tracheal aspirate
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- non-probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87641
- SNOMED
- 122442008
- Specimen volume
- Sputum: 1-2 mL; Bronchoalveolar lavage: 2-5 mL; Tracheal aspirate: 1-3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 7 days. Preferred to process within 4 hours of collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what does it measure?
The Acinetobacter baumannii complex DNA test is a molecular diagnostic test that looks for the genetic material (DNA) of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria in samples collected from the lower respiratory tract, such as sputum (phlegm), bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, or tracheal aspirate. This bacteria is a common cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, particularly in patients in intensive care units or those on ventilators.
Why do I need this test and what can it tell my doctor?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, especially if you have been hospitalized or have a weakened immune system. This test helps determine if your infection is caused by Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, which can be difficult to treat because they are often resistant to many antibiotics.
How is the test performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from your respiratory tract, usually by asking you to cough up sputum into a sterile container, or by collecting fluid during a bronchoscopy procedure. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians use a technique called Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) to detect the bacterial DNA. This method is highly sensitive and can identify the bacteria even when traditional cultures might miss it.
What do the results mean and how will my doctor use them to guide my care?
A positive result means that Acinetobacter baumannii DNA was detected in your respiratory sample, indicating that you likely have an infection caused by this bacteria. A negative result means that the bacteria was not detected, but this does not completely rule out infection—your doctor will interpret the results together with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
Not detected - The presence of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex DNA was not detected in the specimen. A negative result does not exclude infection and should be correlated with clinical findings.N/A
Patient should avoid mouthwashes, eating, drinking, or smoking for at least 30 minutes before specimen collection. For bronchoalveolar lavage, patient should fast for at least 6 hours prior to procedure. Inform the laboratory of any recent antibiotic therapy as this may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Acinetobacter baumannii complex is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia. These bacteria have developed resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, making early detection crucial for effective treatment. This molecular test provides rapid and accurate identification, allowing healthcare providers to implement appropriate infection control measures and select targeted antibiotic therapy. It is especially valuable in outbreak settings and for patients with persistent infections who do not respond to standard treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Can this infection spread to my family?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - PneumoniaSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy