Bacteriabldanaerobecultorg2

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

This test detects and identifies anaerobic bacteria in your blood to help diagnose serious infections.

Quick summary

{"A blood sample is taken and cultured in a special environment to grow anaerobic bacteria","Positive results indicate a bacterial infection in the bloodstream","This test helps doctors determine the right antibiotic treatment","Multiple blood samples may be needed for accurate results","Results typically take 2-5 days to complete"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 17935-8
Short code: BCID2
Synonyms: Bacteria Bld Anaerobe Cult org #2
Category: chemistry
Sample: whole-blood
Container: Anaerobic blood culture bottle (e.g., BacT/ALERT FN Plus, BACTEC Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F). Specialized anaerobic transport vials with reduced oxygen environment.
Units: N/A
Ref low: 5
Ref high: 7
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: 0–120 years
Method: anaerobic-culture
CPT: 87075
SNOMED: 104177007
Specimen volume: Adults: 8-10 mL per anaerobic bottle; Pediatrics: 1-5 mL based on patient weight and age. Minimum 1 mL required for adequate detection.
Stability: Specimens should be transported to the laboratory immediately or as soon as possible after collection. If delay is anticipated, bottles should be held at room temperature (20-25°C) and inoculated into the blood culture system within 2 hours of collection. Do not refrigerate.
Hemolysis max: 0
Lipemia max: 0
Icterus max: 0
TAT: 72–168 hours
Order: routine

What is this test?

An anaerobic blood culture is a laboratory test that checks your blood for the presence of anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that can grow without oxygen. This test is performed by taking a sample of your blood and placing it in special culture bottles that provide an oxygen-free environment, allowing anaerobic bacteria to grow and be identified if present.

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of a serious infection, such as fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, or confusion. It helps determine whether bacteria have entered your bloodstream, which can lead to a condition called bacteremia or sepsis.

Reference range

No anaerobic bacteria isolated. Normal/expected result: No growth of anaerobic organisms after the standard incubation period of 5-7 days. Any growth is considered clinically significant in blood specimens.N/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special patient preparation required. However, optimal collection technique is critical to avoid contamination. Skin preparation should include thorough cleansing with chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine, allowing adequate drying time before venipuncture.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive anaerobic blood culture result indicates that anaerobic bacteria are present in your bloodstream, which means you have a bacterial infection that requires treatment. This finding helps your doctor identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and choose the most appropriate antibiotic therapy. Anaerobic infections can originate from various sources, including dental infections, gastrointestinal perforations, wound infections, or abscesses. Early detection through blood culture is crucial for preventing serious complications like sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample collected?

A healthcare professional will clean your skin with an antiseptic to prevent contamination, then draw blood from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is immediately placed into special culture bottles designed for anaerobic bacteria. Usually, two or more blood samples are taken from different veins to improve accuracy.

Does this test require fasting?

No, you do not need to fast before this test. You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor gives you other instructions.

How long does it take to get results?

Results typically take 2-5 days. Bacteria need time to grow in the culture before they can be identified. If no bacteria grow after 5 days, the result is usually reported as negative, though some slow-growing organisms may require longer incubation.

What happens if my test is positive?

If anaerobic bacteria are identified, your doctor will contact you to discuss treatment options, which typically include intravenous antibiotics. Additional tests may be performed to determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria found.

Is this test painful?

You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted to draw blood. Some people experience minor bruising at the puncture site afterward. These effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly.

Sources

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