Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What Patients Need to Know
This laboratory test detects and identifies anaerobic (oxygen-sensitive) bacteria in body fluid samples to help diagnose infections caused by microorganisms that do not require oxygen to grow.
{"Detects anaerobic bacteria that can cause deep tissue infections and abscesses","Helps doctors choose the right antibiotic by identifying the specific bacteria causing infection","Sample collection requires special handling to keep bacteria alive for accurate testing","Results typically take 2-7 days as bacteria need time to grow in the lab"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17957-2
- Short code
- ANABID2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Fld Anaerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, anaerobic transport container (e.g., anaerobic transport vial, sterile screw-cap tube, or Port-A-Cul transport system). Anaerobic transport medium should be used to maintain viability of obligate anaerobes
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87076
- SNOMED
- 415125008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1–2 mL of body fluid; larger volumes (3–10 mL) preferred for adequate recovery, especially from normally sterile body sites
- Stability
- Specimen should be transported to the laboratory immediately (within 15–30 minutes) at room temperature. If processing is delayed, store at room temperature in anaerobic transport medium for up to 24–48 hours. Do not refrigerate, as cold temperatures are detrimental to anaerobic organisms
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why has my healthcare provider ordered it for me?
The Anaerobic Bacteria Culture Test is a laboratory test that detects and identifies anaerobic bacteria in body fluid samples. Anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that can grow without oxygen. Some anaerobic bacteria can cause serious infections in deep tissues, wounds, abscesses, blood, and other body fluids. This test helps doctors find the exact cause of an infection so they can prescribe the most effective treatment.
How will my sample be collected, and what should I expect during the process?
The sample is collected from the affected area by your healthcare provider. This may include fluid from an abscess, wound, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, or other body fluids. The collection must be done carefully to prevent the sample from being exposed to oxygen, as this can kill anaerobic bacteria and affect test accuracy. The sample is placed in a special container that maintains anaerobic conditions and is sent to the laboratory quickly.
What happens to my sample once it arrives at the laboratory for testing?
In the lab, the sample is placed in special growth environments that support anaerobic bacteria. The lab monitors the sample for several days to see if bacteria grow. When bacteria are found, they are identified through various methods, and sensitivity testing may be performed to determine which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolatedN/A
No special patient preparation required. If possible, specimens should be collected prior to administration of antibiotics. For body fluid collection, standard sterile technique (e.g., sterile needle aspiration of synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, or CSF fluid) must be followed
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is important for diagnosing infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which often occur in deep tissues, surgical wounds, abscesses, and areas with poor blood supply. Common anaerobic infections include bacterial vaginosis, intra-abdominal infections, lung abscesses, and certain types of blood infections. Identifying the specific anaerobic bacteria helps doctors prescribe targeted antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics, which reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance and improves treatment outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need an anaerobic culture if I already had a regular culture?
How long does it take to get results?
Does this test hurt?
What do the results mean?
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