Understanding Your Laboratory Blood Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and What the Results Mean
This test identifies specific anaerobic bacteria growing in a patient sample to help diagnose infections caused by bacteria that thrive without oxygen.
{"Anaerobic bacteria can cause serious infections in wounds, tissues, and internal organs","This test helps doctors identify the exact bacteria causing your infection","Results guide appropriate antibiotic treatment","Sample is collected from the suspected infection site","Treatment is typically with specific antibiotics effective against anaerobes"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20878-5
- Short code
- ANABID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Islt Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Anaerobic transport vial or swab system (e.g., BBL Port-A-Cul, Copan ESwab with anaerobic transport medium); sterile screw-cap container for fluid/tissue specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87076
- SNOMED
- 428931000124102
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of fluid, tissue sample, or appropriate swab collection per specimen type; pus aspirates preferred over swabs when possible
- Stability
- Specimens must be maintained at room temperature and transported to laboratory within 1-2 hours of collection; anaerobic transport systems preserve viability for up to 24-48 hours at room temperature
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This is a laboratory test that measures specific substances in your blood to help your doctor check your overall health, screen for certain medical conditions, or monitor how well a treatment you are currently receiving is working.
The Anaerobic Bacteria Culture and Identification test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies bacteria that grow in the absence of oxygen (anaerobes). These bacteria can cause various infections, including skin and soft tissue infections, abscesses, dental infections, and intra-abdominal infections. The test involves collecting a sample from the suspected infection site, cultivating it in a special oxygen-free environment, and then identifying any bacteria that grow.
A trained healthcare professional will usually collect a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle. The procedure takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. The sample is then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The sample type depends on the location of the suspected infection. Common samples include tissue biopsies, fluid from abscesses, wound swabs, blood, or pus. The sample must be collected and transported in special anaerobic containers to prevent oxygen exposure, which could kill the bacteria and affect test results.
Your results will show whether the measured values fall within the normal reference range for this test. Normal results generally suggest no apparent problem, while abnormal values may point to a condition that needs further evaluation. Always review your results with your doctor to understand what they mean for you.
A positive result indicates that anaerobic bacteria were found and identified in your sample, confirming an anaerobic infection. A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected, though this does not completely rule out infection. Your healthcare provider will interpret results alongside your symptoms and other test findings to determine the best treatment approach.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated (Normal result); isolates are reported by genus and species with antibiotic susceptibility when clinically indicatedN/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy when possible. Avoid contamination with normal flora; transport to laboratory immediately under anaerobic conditions
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Anaerobic bacteria are common causes of deep tissue infections, abscesses, surgical wound infections, and infections following trauma. Proper identification is critical because many anaerobic infections require specific antibiotics different from those used for aerobic bacteria. This test helps guide targeted antibiotic therapy, improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of complications such as tissue death (gangrene) or bloodstream infection (sepsis).
Frequently asked questions
Why is special handling required for this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What infections are commonly caused by anaerobic bacteria?
Sources
- 1
- 2CDC - Anaerobic BacteriaSource
- 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