Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and Why It Matters

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test identifies aerobic bacteria in bone tissue from a donor to ensure safety before bone transplantation.

Quick summary

{"Tests donor bone tissue for harmful bacteria before transplantation","Uses aerobic culture methods to grow and identify bacteria","Helps prevent infection transmission from donor to recipient","Performed in a laboratory using sterile techniques","Results guide treatment decisions for transplant safety"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC: 74348-4
Short code: BCID-BONE
Synonyms: Bacteria Bone Donr Aerobe Cult
Category: chemistry
Sample: serum
Container: Sterile screw-cap container or sterile transport vial without preservatives; tissue may also be transported in anaerobic transport medium if anaerobic culture is additionally requested
Units: N/A
Fasting: false
Population: adult
Sex: all
Age range: ≥ 0 years
Method: aerobic-culture
CPT: 87070
SNOMED: 441820008
Specimen volume: At least 1-2 grams or 1-2 cm³ of bone tissue; submit multiple representative fragments from different anatomical sites when possible
Stability: Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; Room temperature (20-25°C): up to 2 hours. Do not freeze. Specimen should be processed as soon as possible to maximize recovery of viable organisms.
Hemolysis max: 500
Lipemia max: 1000
Icterus max: 500
TAT: 48–168 hours
Order: routine

The Bacteria Identified in Bone from Donor by Aerobe culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies aerobic bacteria in bone tissue obtained from a donor. This test is performed as a safety screening before bone transplantation to ensure the donated bone is free from bacterial contamination that could cause infection in the recipient.

How is the test performed and what can I expect during the procedure?

A sample of donor bone tissue is collected under sterile conditions and sent to a laboratory. The tissue is placed in special culture media that supports the growth of aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to grow). The sample is incubated for several days, and laboratory technicians monitor it for bacterial growth. If bacteria are detected, they are identified using various laboratory techniques.

Why is this test important for my health and my ongoing medical care?

This test is crucial for patient safety in bone transplantation procedures. It helps identify any bacterial contamination in donor bone tissue that could lead to serious infections in the transplant recipient. By detecting bacteria before transplantation, healthcare providers can take appropriate measures to prevent infection complications.

Reference range

No growth of aerobic bacteria identified; reportable organisms include clinically significant aerobes (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus species, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa)N/A

Specimen: serum

Specimen must be collected aseptically at the time of tissue procurement from the donor. No patient fasting required. Standard surgical aseptic technique must be observed during collection to prevent contamination. Donor screening per tissue bank protocol and applicable regulatory requirements (FDA, AATB) must be completed prior to procurement.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test plays a vital role in preventing infection transmission during bone transplantation. A positive result indicates bacterial contamination of the donor bone, which means the bone should not be used for transplantation. This screening helps protect recipients from developing serious bone infections or systemic infections that could result from contaminated donor tissue. The test is part of comprehensive donor screening protocols required by tissue banks and transplant centers.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs this test?

This test is performed on bone tissue from donors, not on patients. It is part of the mandatory screening process for all bone donations before they can be used in transplantation procedures.

Is the test painful?

The donor bone collection is performed by trained medical professionals under sterile conditions. The recipient patient does not undergo this specific test.

How long does it take to get results?

Aerobic bacterial culture typically takes 2-5 days to complete. The sample must be incubated to allow any bacteria present to grow and become detectable.

What happens if bacteria are found?

If aerobic bacteria are identified in the donor bone, the bone tissue is considered contaminated and is not used for transplantation. This protects the recipient from potential infection.

Is this test only for aerobic bacteria?

Yes, this specific test identifies only aerobic bacteria. There may be separate tests for anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without oxygen) as part of comprehensive donor screening.

Sources

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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