Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test: A Patient Guide to What It Is, How It Is Done, What Results Mean, and Why It Matters
This test identifies aerobic bacteria in bone tissue to diagnose bone infections.
{"A sample of bone tissue is taken and tested for bacterial growth","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","The test typically takes 2-5 days for results","A positive result confirms a bone infection","Follow-up testing may be needed to guide treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17873-1
- Short code
- BCB2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bone Aerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives (e.g., sterile screw-cap vial or sterile wide-mouth container); anaerobic transport system if anaerobes are also suspected
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87077
- SNOMED
- 119376003
- Specimen volume
- Submit as much specimen as possible; minimum 1 mL of fluid or tissue sample. Bone fragments or biopsy tissue preferred over swabs. Swabs are acceptable only when tissue/fluid is not obtainable.
- Stability
- Specimens should be processed immediately upon receipt in the laboratory. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours. For longer delays, bone tissue should be placed in transport medium. Do not freeze specimens intended for culture.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is a complete blood count (CBC) test and why might my doctor order it for me?
A bone bacteria culture test is a laboratory test that detects and identifies aerobic (oxygen-requiring) bacteria in a sample of bone tissue. This test is commonly used to diagnose bone infections, also known as osteomyelitis. When you have a bone infection, bacteria can multiply in the bone tissue, causing pain, swelling, and potentially serious complications if left untreated.
How is the sample for a complete blood count (CBC) test collected during my visit?
A healthcare provider will collect a small sample of bone tissue through a procedure called a bone biopsy. This is usually done under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special growth conditions to allow any present bacteria to multiply and become identifiable. The laboratory will also test which antibiotics can effectively treat the identified bacteria.
What do the results of a complete blood count (CBC) test mean for my health?
If bacteria are found and identified in your bone culture, this confirms that you have a bacterial bone infection. The report will specify exactly which type of bacteria is causing the infection. Additionally, the laboratory will perform susceptibility testing (also called antibiotic sensitivity testing) to determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria found. If no bacteria grow in the culture after the incubation period, it may indicate no infection is present, or that the infection is caused by bacteria that are difficult to grow in standard lab conditions.
Why is a complete blood count (CBC) test important for monitoring my overall health?
This test is crucial for properly diagnosing and treating bone infections. Bone infections can occur after surgery, trauma, or from infections spreading from other parts of the body. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading and to preserve the affected bone. The results directly guide your doctor in choosing the most appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria identified. Result reported as organism name(s) identified with quantification when applicable.N/A
Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. If patient is already on antibiotics, document the antibiotic(s) and time of last dose on the requisition. Disinfect the skin or surgical site with appropriate antiseptic (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine) and allow to dry before collection. Avoid contamination with normal flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The Bone Bacteria Culture test is primarily used to diagnose osteomyelitis (bone infection). Positive results confirm bacterial involvement and identify the specific organism, enabling targeted antibiotic therapy. Common pathogens identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, and various gram-negative bacteria. The susceptibility testing results help clinicians select the most effective antibiotic, reducing the risk of treatment failure and antibiotic resistance. This test is particularly important for patients with chronic bone pain, post-surgical infections, or those who have not responded to initial antibiotic treatment.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
Is the bone biopsy procedure painful?
What happens after the bacteria are identified?
Sources
- 1
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- 3
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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