Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Complete Patient Guide to Medical Lab Testing
This test cultures and identifies anaerobic bacteria from cervical samples to help diagnose infections.
{"This test identifies anaerobic bacteria that may be causing cervical infection","A sample is collected during a pelvic examination using a sterile swab","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Anaerobic bacteria grow slowly, so results may take several days","The test is important for diagnosing difficult-to-treat infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12281-2
- Short code
- CERVAN
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Cvx Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Anaerobic transport system such as Port-A-Cul or similar prereduced anaerobically sterilized (PRAS) transport medium; Amies or Stuart transport medium with charcoal for less ideal conditions; sterile screw-capped container acceptable if inoculated immediately
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- female
- Age range
- 12–100 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 278999001
- Specimen volume
- Adequate endocervical secretions or swab specimen; minimum 1-2 swabs recommended to ensure sufficient material for culture and Gram stain
- Stability
- Specimens should be transported to the laboratory within 1-2 hours of collection at room temperature in appropriate anaerobic transport medium; refrigerated specimens are generally unacceptable for anaerobic culture as cold exposure is lethal to many anaerobes; maximum transport time should not exceed 24 hours under optimal anaerobic conditions
- 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 Recommend It?
This test looks for anaerobic bacteria in samples taken from your cervix. Anaerobic bacteria are germs that can live and grow without oxygen. Unlike regular bacteria, these organisms need special conditions to be cultured in a laboratory. The test involves collecting a cervical sample and sending it to a lab where technicians try to grow and identify any anaerobic bacteria present.
How Is the Sample Collected and How Should I Prepare for the Collection?
During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider will insert a speculum to view your cervix and gently collect a sample using a sterile swab. The sample is immediately placed in a special container that keeps oxygen out to preserve any anaerobic bacteria. This container is then sent to a laboratory for culture and identification.
Why Do I Need This Test and How Will My Doctor Use the Results?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms of a cervical or pelvic infection, such as abnormal vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or inflammation that has not responded to standard treatments. Anaerobic infections often occur after gynecological procedures, childbirth, or when normal vaginal bacteria are disrupted. This test helps identify the specific cause so appropriate treatment can be given.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After the Test Is Done?
The sample collection takes only a few minutes and is similar to a regular pelvic exam or Pap smear. You may feel some discomfort or pressure, but it is generally well-tolerated. After the sample is collected, you can resume your normal activities. Results typically take 2-7 days because anaerobic bacteria require time to grow in the laboratory.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated; identification reported when clinically significant organisms are recoveredN/A
Patient should abstain from sexual intercourse, douching, and use of vaginal medications or spermicidal agents for at least 24-48 hours prior to specimen collection. Ideally, specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy or after a washout period of at least 48 hours post-antibiotic administration
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Identifying the specific type of anaerobic bacteria causing your infection is important because different bacteria respond to different antibiotics. This test helps your doctor prescribe the most effective treatment, avoiding trial-and-error with medications that may not work against the specific organism. Untreated anaerobic infections can lead to serious complications including pelvic inflammatory disease, abscess formation, and infertility. Early detection and proper treatment significantly improve outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do the results mean?
How should I prepare for this test?
What happens if the test is positive?
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