Bacteriadeepwndaerobecult
A laboratory test that identifies and grows bacteria from a deep wound sample to determine the cause of infection and guide antibiotic treatment.
{"This test finds harmful bacteria causing your wound infection","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic for treatment","Sample is taken from the deep part of your wound using a special swab or tissue","Results usually take 2-5 days to come back from the lab"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17909-3
- Short code
- WDCRID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Deep Wnd Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container (e.g., sterile screw-capped tube or cup); sterile swab in Amies or Stuart transport medium for swab specimens; sterile anaerobic transport system recommended for tissue specimens; blood culture bottles if systemic involvement suspected
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070 (Culture, bacterial; any other source except urine, blood or stool, aerobic, with isolation and presumptive identification of isolates); 87077 (Culture, bacterial; aerobic isolate, additional methods required for definitive identification, each isolate); 87086 (Culture, bacterial; quantitative colony count, urine); additional CPT codes 87147, 87149, 87153, 87158 for susceptibility testing as applicable
- SNOMED
- 119376003 (Bacterial culture of wound specimen); 168500009 (Aerobic bacterial culture); 416992002 (Wound culture); 395112001 (Identification of aerobic bacteria)
- Specimen volume
- Tissue biopsy: 1-3 cm³ of deep tissue; Aspirate: 1-5 mL in sterile container; Swab: one or two swabs in transport medium; Pus: 1-5 mL in sterile container
- Stability
- Tissue and aspirate specimens: Room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 2 hours, refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 24 hours. Swab specimens in transport medium: Room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) acceptable for up to 48 hours. Do not freeze. Specimens should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection to maximize recovery of organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–240 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A wound bacteria culture is a laboratory test that helps identify the specific type of bacteria causing an infection in a deep wound. During the test, a healthcare provider collects a sample from the deepest part of your wound using a sterile swab or by taking a small piece of tissue. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where scientists try to grow and identify any bacteria present. Aerobic culture specifically looks for bacteria that need oxygen to grow.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have a deep wound that shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or increased pain. The test helps determine exactly which bacteria are causing the infection, which is important because different bacteria require different antibiotics. This ensures you receive the most effective treatment and helps prevent complications from the infection.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare professional will clean the wound area and then collect a sample from the deepest part of the wound where the infection is most active. This may be done using a sterile swab, a needle to aspirate fluid, or by taking a small tissue sample. The collection process may cause brief discomfort but only takes a few seconds. The sample is placed in a special container and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What do the results mean?
Results typically show which specific bacteria were found in your wound. If bacteria are identified, the lab will usually perform additional tests called susceptibility or sensitivity testing to determine which antibiotics will effectively treat the infection. If no bacteria grow, it may mean the wound is healing well or that the infection is caused by viruses or fungi, which require different tests.
Are there any risks?
The risks of this test are minimal. You may feel slight discomfort or pain during sample collection, and there is a very small risk of bleeding or introducing new bacteria into the wound. However, these risks are rare and the procedure is generally very safe. The benefits of getting an accurate diagnosis far outweigh these minor risks.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic aerobic bacteria. Reportable organisms include aerobes, facultative anaerobes, and significant pathogens. Identification to genus and species level with antimicrobial susceptibility testing performed on clinically significant isolates.N/A
No special patient preparation or fasting required. Patient should be informed that the wound will be cleaned and debrided as needed prior to specimen collection. Discontinuation of topical or systemic antibiotics prior to collection should be discussed with the ordering physician, as prior antibiotic therapy may yield false-negative results. If possible, specimens should be collected before initiation of antimicrobial therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does a negative result mean my wound is not infected?
Will I need antibiotics if bacteria are found?
What is susceptibility testing?
Can I eat or drink before 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