Anaerobic Bacteria Culture from Amniotic Fluid
This test checks for harmful bacteria that may be present in your amniotic fluid, which surrounds your baby during pregnancy. It helps determine if there’s an infection that could affect your baby’s health.
["An anaerobic bacteria culture helps identify potential infections in amniotic fluid that may require medical attention."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87933-8
- Short code
- AMNANR
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Amn Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- fluid
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, anaerobic transport container or syringe sealed with a sterile cap. Anaerobic transport medium (e.g., Port-a-Cul, BBL Vacutainer Anaerobic Specimen Collector) is preferred to maintain viability of obligate anaerobes during transport.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 12–55 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 441901001
- Specimen volume
- 3-10 mL of amniotic fluid collected via amniocentesis under ultrasound guidance; minimum 1 mL required for anaerobic culture
- Stability
- Specimen should be transported to the laboratory immediately at room temperature (20-25°C). If immediate transport is not possible, specimen should be maintained at room temperature and processed within 2 hours of collection. Do not refrigerate as cold temperatures may kill some anaerobic organisms. Specimens in anaerobic transport medium are stable for up to 24 hours at room temperature.
- Hemolysis max
- 300
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or abnormal vaginal discharge, during pregnancy. It could also be done during labor if there’s concern about infection spreading to your baby. This test helps ensure your baby stays safe from infections during birth.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of your amniotic fluid is collected using a needle and syringe. The fluid is then sent to a lab where it is cultured under special conditions that encourage the growth of bacteria that don’t need oxygen to survive. This helps identify any harmful bacteria present.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
If bacteria are found, it means there may be an infection in your amniotic fluid. Your healthcare provider will discuss next steps, which could include further testing or treatment to protect your baby’s health. If no bacteria are detected, it generally means no infection is found in this sample.
What Are the Possible Risks?
The main risk is a very small chance of infection at the needle insertion site. The procedure is generally safe and quick, but always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for any aftercare.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated. Results reported as specific organism identification (genus and species) with antibiotic susceptibility testing when clinically indicated. Normal amniotic fluid is sterile.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed that amniocentesis is an invasive procedure requiring informed consent. The skin at the puncture site should be cleaned with antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) before specimen collection to minimize skin flora contamination. Transplacental needle passage should be avoided when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for identifying potential infections in the amniotic fluid that could lead to complications for your baby, such as preterm labor, low birth weight, or neonatal infections. Early detection allows for timely interventions to improve outcomes.
Short name
Amniotic Fluid Anaerobe Culture
Frequently asked questions
When will I get my results?
What if bacteria are found in my sample?
Do I need to prepare for this 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