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Anaerobic Bacteria Culture from Blood (Qualitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of harmful bacteria that thrive without oxygen in your bloodstream. It helps identify infections caused by these microbes, which can occur due to surgery, medical devices, or underlying health conditions.

Quick summary

["This test helps diagnose serious blood infections caused by bacteria that need oxygen-free environments to grow."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
88683-8
Short code
BALANA
Synonyms
Bacteria BAL Anaerobe Cult
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container; anaerobic transport swab system (e.g., Amies or Stuart's medium without charcoal); or anaerobic transport vial specifically designed for fluid specimens. Do NOT use formalin-fixed containers.
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
anaerobic-culture
CPT
87075
SNOMED
120719004
Specimen volume
Minimum 1-2 mL of BAL fluid; ideally 3-10 mL submitted in sterile leak-proof container or anaerobic transport medium
Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours. For optimal anaerobic organism recovery, specimens should be processed immediately or transported in anaerobic transport medium and delivered to laboratory within 2 hours of collection.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
48–240 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections. It’s also used when you have conditions that increase your risk of blood infections, such as weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, or the use of medical devices like catheters.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or procedures that could affect the results. Your healthcare provider will explain any restrictions.

How the Test Is Performed

A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, using a needle. The blood is then placed in special containers that support the growth of anaerobic bacteria over 5–14 days.

What the Results Mean

If bacteria are found, they will be identified, and your provider will determine the best treatment, such as antibiotics. If no bacteria are detected, it means no anaerobic organisms were grown from the sample during testing.

Reference range

No anaerobic bacteria isolated; or organism identified reported with quantitation when clinically significant (typically >=10^4 CFU/mL considered significant in BAL specimens)N/A

Specimen: serum

Patient should be NPO (nothing by mouth) for at least 1-2 hours prior to bronchoscopy procedure. Pre-procedure sedation and topical anesthesia per institutional protocol. Discontinue antibiotics prior to collection if clinically feasible and as directed by physician to improve culture yield.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Blood Culture for Anaerobes

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result indicates the presence of anaerobic bacteria in your blood, which can cause serious infections like abscesses, endocarditis, or sepsis. Treatment will focus on targeting these bacteria with appropriate antibiotics.
What does a negative result mean?
A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected in the sample during testing. However, it’s important to note that this test only checks for bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen; other types of bacteria or infections may require different tests.
How often should I get this test?
This test is typically done only when needed, based on symptoms or risk factors. Your healthcare provider will decide how often to repeat it depending on your condition and treatment response.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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