: Anaerobic Bacterial Culture, Aspirate
: This test uses a sample of fluid or pus collected by needle aspiration (not a swab) and cultures it under oxygen-free conditions to detect anaerobic bacteria, which grow only when oxygen is absent.
[": An anaerobic aspirate culture helps identify oxygen-sensitive bacteria that standard aerobic cultures may miss."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 598-3
- Short code
- ANAREAS
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Aspirate Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, anaerobic transport container or anaerobic transport vial (e.g., Port-A-Cul vial, BBL Vacutainer Anaerobic Specimen Collector, or ESwab in anaerobic transport medium). Submit aspirate in syringe with needle removed and capped, or transfer to anaerobic transport system immediately
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 409451000124104
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5-1 mL of aspirated fluid or tissue; ideally 1-5 mL for body fluid aspirates. Pus or tissue fragments preferred over swabs
- Stability
- Specimens must be transported at room temperature (20-25°C) and processed within 1-2 hours of collection for optimal recovery of anaerobic organisms. Anaerobic transport vials maintain viability up to 24-48 hours at room temperature. Do not refrigerate anaerobic specimens
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
: What This Test Detects
: Anaerobic bacteria live in low-oxygen environments and can cause infection when they enter deep tissues, abscesses, or normally sterile body spaces. Because these organisms die when exposed to oxygen, the laboratory must handle the specimen quickly and grow it in an oxygen-free (anaerobic) setting.
: Why an Aspirate Is Used
: An aspirate sample is collected with a needle and syringe from the infected area. This method is preferred over a swab because it provides a larger, cleaner sample and avoids exposing the bacteria to air, which improves the chance of recovering anaerobes.
: How the Sample Is Collected
: A clinician cleans the site and draws fluid or pus using a needle. The sample is placed in a sealed container or anaerobic transport system and sent promptly to the lab. Proper collection and fast transport are important because anaerobic bacteria are fragile outside the body.
: What the Results Mean
: A positive culture identifies the type of anaerobic bacteria present and can guide antibiotic selection. A negative result may mean no anaerobes were present, or that the sample was not handled optimally, so results are always interpreted alongside your symptoms and other findings.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated. Reportable: presence or absence of anaerobic growth with identification to genus and species level when clinically significant; semi-quantitative grading (rare, few, moderate, many) provided for primary culture isolatesN/A
Patient preparation depends on aspiration site. Discontinue antibiotic therapy prior to collection when clinically feasible (typically 48-72 hours). For deep tissue or abscess aspirates, ensure proper skin antisepsis with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine prior to aspiration. Fasting is not required
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: Anaerobic culture of an aspirate is clinically significant because anaerobic bacteria are common causes of abscesses and deep infections, and many respond to specific antibiotics. Identifying the organism helps clinicians choose targeted therapy rather than broad treatment, which supports better outcomes and reduces unnecessary antibiotic use.
Short name
: Anaerobic Culture
Frequently asked questions
: Does a negative result mean I have no infection?
: Is this test painful?
: How long do results take?
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