Anaerobic Bacteria Culture (from Blood)
This test checks for bacteria that grow only in the absence of oxygen, which may be present in your blood. It helps identify infections caused by these organisms.
["Blood cultures help detect serious infections requiring antibiotics."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107188-5
- Short code
- ANABSC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Absc Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container; anaerobic transport swab or aspirate in anaerobic transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 442126008
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of aspirated pus or tissue
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; if delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours in appropriate anaerobic transport medium
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–240 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained pain, especially if you’ve recently had surgery, an invasive procedure, or a weakened immune system. It’s also used to investigate unexplained infections or fevers of unknown origin.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have two small tubes inserted into your arm to draw blood. The blood is then sent to a lab where it’s mixed with special nutrients and placed in an incubator to allow bacteria to grow over 24–72 hours. No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications or recent infections.
What to Expect During the Test
The process is quick and usually painless. You may feel a slight pinch when blood is drawn, but the discomfort is brief. The lab will monitor the culture results closely for signs of bacterial growth.
What the Results Mean
If bacteria grow in the culture, it confirms an infection. The type of bacteria and their antibiotic sensitivity can guide treatment. If no bacteria are found, it means your blood was clear of these organisms at the time of testing.
Reference range
No growth of anaerobic pathogens. Results reported as organism identified with antibiotic susceptibility when clinically indicated.N/A
Discontinue systemic antibiotics prior to collection when clinically feasible. Disinfect overlying skin with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine before aspiration. Avoid contamination with normal flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Blood Anaerobe Culture
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Causes of False Results?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Can I Take Antibiotics Before the Test?
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