Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test identifies both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria in bone tissue to diagnose bone infections.
{"The test detects bacteria causing bone infections (osteomyelitis)","It identifies both aerobic (oxygen-requiring) and anaerobic (non-oxygen-requiring) bacteria","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics for treatment","A sample of bone tissue is needed for this test","Results typically take several days to a week"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75358-2
- Short code
- BONEAXC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bone Anaerobe+Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives; anaerobic transport system (e.g., anaerobic transport medium or Vacutainer anaerobic transport tube) for anaerobic culture requirements. Bone biopsy specimens may also be placed in sterile saline.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 14
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- anaerobic-aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- Adequate bone tissue or aspirate specimen (minimum 1-2 grams of tissue or 1-5 mL of fluid preferred); submit multiple specimens when possible to increase diagnostic yield
- Stability
- Maintain at room temperature (20-25°C). Transport to laboratory immediately or within 2 hours of collection. If delay is anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C for aerobic cultures; keep anaerobic specimens at room temperature. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells play important roles in carrying oxygen, fighting infection, and helping your blood clot properly.
A bone bacteria culture test is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria in a sample of bone tissue. The test looks for both aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to grow) and anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without oxygen). This helps doctors understand exactly what type of infection is present in the bone.
Why is this test done? Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup, to help diagnose a wide range of conditions such as anemia, infection, or blood disorders, or to monitor an existing medical condition or the effects of a treatment you are receiving.
This test is mainly done to diagnose bone infections, also known as osteomyelitis. Bone infections can occur after surgery, trauma, or when an infection from another part of the body spreads to the bone. Knowing the exact type of bacteria causing the infection helps doctors prescribe the most effective antibiotic treatment.
How is the test performed? A health care professional will draw a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, using a thin needle. The process takes only a few minutes, and the sample is then sent to a laboratory where a machine analyzes the numbers, sizes, and types of your blood cells.
A small sample of bone tissue is removed, usually through a biopsy or during surgery. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is placed in special containers that allow aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to grow. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and can be identified through additional testing.
What should I expect? You may feel a quick sting or pinch when the needle is inserted, and the area may be slightly sore or bruised afterward. You can usually return to your normal activities right away. Results are often available within a day or two, and your doctor will review them with you and explain what they mean for your health.
The bone sample is usually taken by a doctor using a needle or during a surgical procedure. You may experience some discomfort or pain at the biopsy site. The test results typically take 3-7 days or longer, as bacteria need time to grow and be identified.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria after appropriate incubation period (typically 5-14 days). Normal flora, if present, should be noted.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy whenever possible. If patient is already on antibiotics, this information must be provided to the laboratory.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing osteomyelitis (bone infection). Identifying the specific bacteria allows healthcare providers to select targeted antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics. Different bacteria require different treatments, so accurate identification improves outcomes and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. This test is particularly important for chronic or difficult-to-treat bone infections.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bone biopsy painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What if no bacteria are found?
Do I need to prepare for this 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