Understanding Your Lab Test: What It Measures, How the Sample Is Collected, and What Your Results Mean
A laboratory test that identifies aerobic bacteria present in bone tissue to diagnose bone infections.
{"The test detects aerobic bacteria in bone tissue samples","It helps diagnose bone infections (osteomyelitis)","Results guide antibiotic treatment decisions","Sample is collected during a bone biopsy or surgery","Results typically available in 2-5 days"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17876-4
- Short code
- BCULT5
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bone Aerobe Cult org #5
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservative; or aerobic blood culture bottle for small bone fragments or tissue samples
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 398151001
- Specimen volume
- Ideally 2-5 grams of bone tissue or multiple bone fragments; smaller samples (0.5-1 g) accepted when material is limited
- Stability
- Room temperature: up to 2 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; do not freeze. Transport to laboratory as soon as possible for optimal organism viability
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and why might my healthcare provider order it?
The Bone Bacteria Culture test identifies aerobic (oxygen-requiring) bacteria present in bone tissue. A small sample of bone is collected and placed in special culture media that allows bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians then identify any bacteria that develop, determining the specific type causing the infection.
How is the sample collected, and do I need to do anything to prepare?
The bone sample is typically obtained through a bone biopsy (using a needle) or during surgical procedures. The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia. A small needle or surgical instrument is used to remove a tiny piece of bone tissue, which is then sent to the laboratory for culture analysis.
What do the results mean and how should I talk about them with my doctor?
A positive result means aerobic bacteria were found in the bone sample, confirming a bacterial bone infection (osteomyelitis). The report will identify the specific bacteria, which helps your doctor choose the most effective antibiotic treatment. A negative result may indicate no bacterial infection, but additional tests may be needed if infection is still suspected.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; identification reported qualitatively (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Enterobacteriaceae) when isolatedN/A
No special patient preparation required. For surgical bone specimens, specimens should be collected intraoperatively using sterile technique to avoid contamination with skin flora
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily used to diagnose osteomyelitis (bone infection), which can occur after surgery, trauma, or spread from another infection site. Identifying the specific bacteria allows healthcare providers to select targeted antibiotic therapy, improving treatment outcomes. It is especially important for chronic or difficult-to-treat bone infections.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if bacteria are found?
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