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Bacteriadeepwndaerobecultorg4

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

This test identifies and grows bacteria from a deep wound sample to determine the specific type of infection causing your wound to not heal properly.

Quick summary

{"The test identifies specific bacteria causing a deep wound infection","Results help doctors choose the most effective antibiotic treatment","Sample is collected from the deep part of the wound, not from blood (serum)","Results typically take 2-5 days as bacteria need time to grow"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17912-7
Short code
WCULT4
Synonyms
Bacteria Deep Wnd Aerobe Cult org #4
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof, wide-mouth container with or without transport medium (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium); sterile screw-capped tube or anaerobic transport system if anaerobic culture also requested
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
aerobic-culture
CPT
87077
SNOMED
399023006
Specimen volume
Minimum 1-2 mL of purulent material, exudate, or tissue biopsy; deep wound specimens require adequate tissue or fluid to ensure representative sampling
Stability
Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours. Specimens in transport medium are stable for up to 48 hours at room temperature. Do not freeze.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A wound deep aerobic bacterial culture is a laboratory test that collects a sample from the deeper layers of a wound (not superficial) and places it in a special environment that encourages aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to grow) to multiply. This helps identify exactly which type of bacteria is causing your infection. While your test information mentions serum, wound cultures are typically collected using swabs, tissue samples, or fluid from the wound itself rather than blood.

This is different from a basic wound culture because it specifically targets bacteria from the deeper tissue layers, which are often more accurate for determining serious infections. The '#4' in the test name indicates this is one of multiple bacterial identification tests ordered - your doctor may have requested several similar tests to check for different types of bacteria.

Reference range

No growth of pathogenic bacteria; identification reported as fourth organism isolated from deep wound cultureN/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Discontinue topical antibiotics or antiseptic wound treatments at least 24-48 hours prior to specimen collection when clinically feasible. Inform laboratory of current antibiotic therapy.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is clinically significant because different bacteria require different treatments. Identifying the exact bacteria allows your doctor to prescribe the most appropriate antibiotic, avoiding unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotics that may not work and could contribute to antibiotic resistance. Deep wound infections can lead to serious complications if not properly treated, including tissue death (gangrene), spread of infection to the blood (sepsis), or bone infection (osteomyelitis). This test helps prevent these complications by guiding targeted treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How is the sample collected?
A healthcare professional will clean the wound surface first, then collect a sample from the deep part of the wound using a sterile swab, needle, or tissue biopsy tool. This ensures the sample contains actual infectious material, not just surface contaminants.
Does this test hurt?
You may feel some discomfort when the sample is taken from the deep wound, especially if the area is already tender. Your healthcare provider will use local anesthesia if needed to minimize pain during the collection process.
When will I get my results?
Bacterial culture results typically take 2-5 days. Bacteria need time to grow in the laboratory before they can be identified. If no bacteria grow, the result is called 'negative' and may indicate the wound is healing or the infection is caused by something else (like a virus or fungus).
What do the results mean?
A 'positive' result means bacteria were found and identified. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment. A 'negative' result means no aerobic bacteria were grown from the sample, which could mean your wound is healing well or that other types of organisms (like anaerobes or fungi) may be involved.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic - Wound CultureSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus - Wound and Cut HealingSource

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