About Your Lab Test: What It Is, How the Sample Is Collected, and What Your Results Mean
This test identifies specific aerobic bacteria present in a deep wound to help doctors determine the best treatment for wound infections.
{"Aerobic culture identifies oxygen-using bacteria from deep wound samples","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic for your infection","The test usually takes 2-5 days to complete","Sample is collected from the deep part of the wound using a swab or tissue","This test does not detect fungi or anaerobic bacteria"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17914-3
- Short code
- WCUL6A
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Deep Wnd Aerobe Cult org #6
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile aerobic culture swab (e.g., Amies or Stuart transport medium) or sterile screw-cap container for tissue/fluid specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87077
- SNOMED
- 399057001
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1 mL of fluid, aspirate, or tissue sample; swab specimens should be fully saturated
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours.
- 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 have ordered it for me?
A deep wound aerobic culture is a laboratory test that identifies specific types of aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to grow) from a sample taken from the deep part of a wound. The test helps healthcare providers understand what germ is causing your wound infection so they can prescribe the most effective treatment.
How is the sample for this test collected, and what do I need to do to prepare?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample from the deepest part of your wound using a sterile swab, tissue, or fluid. Before collection, the wound may be cleaned to remove surface bacteria that could contaminate the sample. The sample is then placed in a special container and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What happens to my sample after it is collected and arrives at the laboratory?
In the lab, the sample is placed on growth media and kept in conditions that allow aerobic bacteria to grow. Technicians monitor the culture over several days, identify any bacteria that appear, and perform additional tests to determine the exact type of bacteria. If bacteria are found, sensitivity testing may be done to see which antibiotics can effectively treat the infection.
What do the results of this test mean, and how should I discuss them with my doctor?
A positive result means aerobic bacteria were found in your wound, and the specific type will be identified. This information helps your doctor choose the most appropriate antibiotic. A negative result means no aerobic bacteria were detected, but this does not rule out infection entirely—other types of germs (like anaerobic bacteria or fungi) could still be present.
Reference range
No aerobic bacterial growth identified. Result reports identification of up to 6 bacteria isolated from the deep wound specimen.N/A
Discontinue topical antibiotics or antiseptics on the wound area for at least 48 hours prior to specimen collection whenever possible. Avoid contamination with surrounding skin flora during collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Deep wound aerobic culture is essential for diagnosing and managing wound infections, particularly for chronic wounds, surgical wounds, or wounds that are not healing properly with standard treatment. The test guides antibiotic selection, helps prevent treatment failure, and reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance. It is particularly important for patients with diabetes, compromised immune systems, or severe wounds at risk of becoming systemic infections.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does this test hurt?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Will the test detect all types of infections?
What happens if the culture is negative?
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