Bacteriaburnanaerobecult
This test identifies anaerobic (oxygen-hating) bacteria that may be causing an infection in a burn wound.
{"This test finds bacteria that live without oxygen in burn wounds","Helps doctors choose the right antibiotics for treatment","Results help guide proper wound care management","Anaerobic infections can cause serious complications if untreated","Sample is taken directly from the burn wound, not blood"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87936-1
- Short code
- BNACRC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Burn Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container with anaerobic transport medium (e.g., Anaerobic Transport Medium, Port-A-Cul vial) or sterile screw-capped tube. Specimens may also be submitted in anaerobic blood culture bottles for fluid samples. Tissue samples should be placed in sterile containers with a small amount of sterile non-bacteriostatic saline to prevent drying.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075 (Culture, bacterial; any source, anaerobic with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates); 87076 (Anaerobic identification); 87077 (Aerobic identification); 87176 (Tissue homogenization); additional CPT codes may apply for susceptibility testing (87181-87188), organism identification by alternative methods (87149, 87150), and additional organism identifications
- SNOMED
- 119376003 |Bacteriological culture (procedure)|; 442150001 |Anaerobic culture (procedure)|; 258520002 |Burn of skin (disorder)|; 386532009 |Identification of organism (procedure)|; 35995006 |Anaerobic bacteria (organism)|
- Specimen volume
- Tissue biopsy: minimum 0.5-1 g of viable tissue (preferably from the base or advancing edge of the wound); Aspirated pus/fluid: 1-5 mL; Swab samples: use anaerobic transport swab system (less preferred than tissue or aspirate for anaerobic recovery); Eschar: 1-3 g of debrided tissue when clinically indicated
- Stability
- Room temperature: maintain at ambient temperature (20-25°C) and transport to laboratory within 2 hours of collection for optimal anaerobic organism recovery. Do NOT refrigerate anaerobic specimens as cold temperature is lethal to many anaerobes. Specimens in anaerobic transport medium are stable for up to 24-48 hours at room temperature. If processing will be delayed beyond 2 hours, place specimen in appropriate anaerobic transport medium immediately upon collection.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test looks for anaerobic bacteria in a burn wound. Anaerobic bacteria are germs that can grow without oxygen. Burn wounds can become infected with various bacteria, including anaerobic ones that thrive in deep tissue where oxygen levels are low. Identifying these specific bacteria helps doctors provide the most effective treatment.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from the burn wound using a sterile swab, tissue sample, or fluid from the affected area. This is not a blood test. The sample is then placed in special containers that keep it free from oxygen and sent to the laboratory for testing.
Why is this test important for burn patients?
Burn wounds are prone to infection because the damaged skin cannot protect against germs. Anaerobic bacteria can cause serious infections that spread deep into the tissue. Finding out exactly which bacteria are present helps doctors prescribe the right antibiotics and determine the best wound care approach.
What do the results mean?
If anaerobic bacteria are found, the report will identify the specific type. This information helps your healthcare team choose targeted antibiotics rather than using broad-spectrum drugs. If no anaerobic bacteria are found, it may indicate the infection is caused by other types of germs or that the wound is healing well.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated. Report identifies anaerobic organisms present (e.g., Bacteroides fragilis group, Clostridium perfringens, Peptostreptococcus spp., Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp., Finegoldia magna, Anaerococcus spp.) with quantitation (rare, few, moderate, many) when applicableN/A
No special patient preparation required. For specimen collection, ensure proper aseptic technique. Discontinue topical antimicrobial agents at the burn site for 24-48 hours prior to collection when possible (consult physician). Avoid contamination from surrounding skin flora. If patient is on systemic antibiotics, document the specific agents and timing of last dose as this information aids in culture interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens if anaerobic bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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