Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture for Bacteria (Aerobic and Anaerobic)
This test checks for bacteria in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord) to help diagnose infections like meningitis.
["A positive culture may indicate an infection needing urgent medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 595-9
- Short code
- AERBABS
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Absc Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container or transport swab system (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium); anaerobic transport vial if anaerobes are also suspected
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 404-9
- Specimen volume
- Aspirated pus or fluid: minimum 1 mL preferred; tissue: 1-2 grams minimum; swab specimens should be visibly saturated
- Stability
- Specimens should be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature. If delayed, store at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze. Swab specimens in transport medium are stable up to 48 hours at room temperature
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion, or other signs of a brain or spinal cord infection. It’s also used to monitor people with known infections or after procedures that could introduce bacteria into the CSF.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) where a small needle is inserted into your lower back to collect CSF. You may feel pressure or a slight ache, but it’s usually quick and done in a hospital setting.
What Happens During the Test
The collected CSF is sent to a lab where it’s mixed with special growth media to see if bacteria grow over 24–48 hours. Results help determine if an infection is present and guide treatment.
Possible Results and Next Steps
A positive culture means bacteria are found, which may require antibiotics. A negative result means no bacteria were detected, but other tests (like blood cultures or imaging) may still be needed.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic aerobic bacteria; normal/absent for common pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and other aerobic organismsN/A
No fasting required. The abscess site should not be cleaned with antiseptic solutions prior to specimen collection, as antiseptics may kill organisms and yield false-negative results. If possible, withhold antibiotic therapy until after specimen collection
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing bacterial meningitis or other infections in the central nervous system. Early identification allows for prompt treatment to prevent serious complications like brain damage or death.
Short name
CSF Culture
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or negative culture result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Is there anything I should do to prepare?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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