Bacteriabldcoaerobecult
This test checks cord blood for harmful bacteria to help diagnose infections in newborns.
{"Uses cord blood collected at birth to detect aerobic bacteria","Helps diagnose infections that may have passed from mother to baby","Results guide treatment decisions if infection is found","A negative result means no common harmful bacteria were detected","Often done when there's concern for newborn infection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87954-4
- Short code
- Bacteria BldCo Aerobe Cult
- Synonyms
- Bacteria BldCo Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Cord blood aerobic bacterial culture is a laboratory test that checks for the presence of aerobic (oxygen-requiring) bacteria in the blood taken from the umbilical cord after birth. Cord blood is the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after delivery. This test helps healthcare providers determine if the newborn has been exposed to bacteria during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, which could cause infection.
How is the sample collected?
After your baby is born, the healthcare provider will collect blood from the umbilical cord using a needle and syringe. This is done before or shortly after the placenta is delivered. The procedure is painless for both mother and baby since the cord is already clamped. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it's placed in special containers that support bacterial growth.
What happens in the laboratory?
In the lab, the cord blood sample is cultured in conditions that allow aerobic bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians monitor the culture over several days to see if any bacteria multiply. If bacteria grow, they are identified through additional testing, and antibiotics that can effectively treat the specific bacteria are determined.
Why is this test important?
This test is crucial for detecting early-onset neonatal sepsis, a serious bloodstream infection that can occur in newborns, especially those born prematurely or to mothers with fever or signs of infection during delivery. Early detection allows doctors to start appropriate treatment quickly, which can prevent serious complications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Is this test dangerous for my baby?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Does a negative result mean my baby is completely healthy?
Why is only cord blood tested rather than drawing blood directly from my baby?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - SepsisSource
- 2
- 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