Bacteriaboneaerobecult
A laboratory test that identifies and grows aerobic bacteria from a bone sample to diagnose bone infections.
{"This test detects bacterial infections in bone tissue","It helps diagnose osteomyelitis (bone infection)","A small bone sample is collected and cultured in a laboratory","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics","The test takes several days to complete"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 602-3
- Short code
- BCTB
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bone Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservative; sterile saline may be added to prevent drying. Transport in dedicated bone specimen transport system or anaerobic transport medium if anaerobe culture also requested.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 442126005
- Specimen volume
- Bone biopsy or aspirate: 1-5 grams of tissue preferred. Minimum: 0.5 mL aspirate or small bone fragment. Multiple specimens from different sites recommended when feasible.
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours maximum. Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours acceptable but immediate processing preferred. Do not freeze. Specimen should be processed as soon as possible to maximize pathogen recovery.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bone Bacteria Culture test is a laboratory procedure that identifies aerobic (oxygen-requiring) bacteria from a sample of bone tissue. This test is primarily used to diagnose osteomyelitis, which is a serious bone infection that can result from trauma, surgery, or spreading from another infection site in the body.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider collects a small sample of bone tissue or bone aspirate (fluid) from the affected area. This is usually done through a needle biopsy or during a surgical procedure. The sample is then placed in special culture media that allows bacteria to grow if present.
What happens in the laboratory?
The bone sample is transferred to sterile culture containers with nutrients that support bacterial growth. These cultures are incubated and monitored for 2-7 days. If bacteria grow, laboratory technicians identify the specific type and perform sensitivity testing to determine which antibiotics will effectively treat the infection.
How long does it take to get results?
Preliminary results may be available within 2-3 days, but final results including bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity can take up to 7 days or longer. This waiting period is necessary because bacteria need time to grow and be properly identified.
Reference range
No aerobic bacteria isolated. Reportable organisms include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus species, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Cutibacterium acnes (if extended incubation), and other clinically significant pathogens.N/A
No fasting required. Inform provider of recent antibiotic use as it may affect culture results. Specimen should be collected prior to antibiotic administration when possible. Aseptic collection technique is critical to avoid contamination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
Why can't a blood test be used instead?
What if no bacteria grow in the culture?
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 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