Bacteriacorncnjtaerobecult
A test to identify and grow bacteria from the cornea or conjunctiva to diagnose eye infections.
{"The test collects a sample from the surface of your eye using a sterile swab","It helps identify which bacteria are causing an eye infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","The sample is sent to a lab where bacteria are grown and identified","This test is important for treating stubborn or recurring eye infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88142-5
- Short code
- CORNAEROB
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Corn/Cnjt Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport swab (Dacron or flocked) in Amies or Stuart's transport medium; sterile screw-capped container for scrapings or aspirates
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 441829007
- Specimen volume
- Corneal scraping or conjunctival swab specimen; minimum sufficient material to inoculate culture media
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C): 48 hours. Process as soon as possible for optimal recovery of fastidious organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Bacteria Identified in Cornea or Conjunctiva by Aerobe Culture test finds and identifies harmful bacteria on the surface of your eye. Your eye doctor will gently swab your cornea (the clear front part of the eye) or conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye and inside your eyelids). This sample is then sent to a laboratory where scientists try to grow and identify any bacteria present. This process is called culture.
This test is different from blood tests. It specifically looks at the surface of your eye, not your blood. The 'aerobe' part means the lab grows bacteria in the presence of oxygen, which is how most common eye bacteria grow.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; results reported as organism identified with colony count and antibiotic susceptibility when clinically significantN/A
Discontinue topical antibiotics for at least 24 hours prior to specimen collection when clinically feasible. Avoid touching the eye or eyelid margins before collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is very important for diagnosing bacterial eye infections such as bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (corneal infection), or other infections of the eye surface. By identifying the exact bacteria causing your infection, your doctor can prescribe the most effective antibiotic. This is especially helpful if your infection is not getting better with standard treatment or keeps coming back.
The test can also help determine if an infection is resistant to certain antibiotics, which guides treatment decisions. In cases of contact lens-related infections or corneal ulcers, this test is often essential for proper management.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
What if no bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
- 2CDC - Eye InfectionsSource
- 3Mayo Clinic - KeratitisSource
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