Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
This test identifies anaerobic (oxygen-hating) bacteria in fluid from peritoneal dialysis to diagnose infections.
{"Detects anaerobic bacteria that cause peritoneal dialysis infections","Helps doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results usually take 2-5 days as bacteria need time to grow","Peritonitis is a serious complication that needs prompt treatment","Proper sterile technique during dialysis reduces infection risk"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90277-5
- Short code
- PDFFANA
- Synonyms
- Bacteria DiafP Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservative; anaerobic transport system (e.g., Anaerobic Transport Medium, Port-A-Cul vial) is preferred for optimal recovery of anaerobic organisms
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 39579001
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of peritoneal dialysis effluent; minimum 5 mL for adequate culture recovery
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; if delayed processing, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours in appropriate anaerobic transport medium. Specimen should be processed as soon as possible to maximize anaerobic organism viability.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, to help evaluate your overall health and detect a wide variety of disorders.
This test looks for anaerobic bacteria in peritoneal dialysis fluid. Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure where a special fluid is placed in the abdomen to filter waste from the blood. Sometimes, bacteria can get into this fluid and cause an infection called peritonitis. Anaerobic bacteria are germs that don't need oxygen to live and grow.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup or to help diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, inflammation, clotting problems, and certain blood disorders. It can also be used to monitor an existing condition or check how a treatment is working.
If you are on peritoneal dialysis and develop symptoms of infection such as cloudy dialysis fluid, fever, abdominal pain, or feeling generally unwell, your doctor will order this test. Identifying the specific type of bacteria helps determine the most effective antibiotic treatment. Different bacteria respond to different antibiotics, so accurate identification is crucial for proper treatment.
A small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein, usually on the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, wrap an elastic band around your upper arm, insert a thin needle, and collect the blood into a small tube.
A sample of your peritoneal dialysis fluid is collected from the dialysis catheter. The fluid that drains out of your abdomen after the dialysis treatment is collected in a sterile container. This fluid is then sent to the laboratory where it is placed in special conditions that allow anaerobic bacteria to grow and be identified.
The blood draw usually takes only a few minutes. You may feel a quick sting or pinch when the needle goes in, and some people notice brief soreness or a small bruise at the site afterward. Applying light pressure and a bandage helps stop any bleeding, and you can typically return to your normal activities right away.
The test itself is painless - it simply requires that you provide a sample of your dialysis fluid. The collection process is part of your normal dialysis routine. The laboratory will grow the bacteria from your fluid sample over several days to identify if anaerobic bacteria are present and determine their type.
Reference range
Normal: <10 ng/mLN/A
Standard aseptic technique during peritoneal dialysis fluid collection. Disinfect the catheter hub and surrounding area per institutional protocol before sampling. Patient should not be on concurrent antibiotics if possible, or this should be documented.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that can lead to treatment failure and hospitalization. Early detection and appropriate treatment of bacterial infections are essential for preserving the peritoneal membrane and continuing dialysis. This test specifically identifies anaerobic bacteria, which are less common but can cause severe infections. Knowing the exact type of bacteria helps doctors prescribe targeted antibiotics rather than broad-spectrum medications, which helps combat antibiotic resistance and ensures better patient outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if anaerobic bacteria are found?
Can I still do peritoneal dialysis if I have an infection?
How can I prevent peritoneal dialysis infections?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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