Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
A laboratory test that identifies and grows bacteria from a semen sample to detect infections of the male reproductive tract.
{"This test detects harmful bacteria in semen that may cause infections","It helps diagnose conditions like prostatitis or urethritis","Results guide doctors in choosing the right antibiotic treatment","The test uses a semen sample, not blood (serum)","Your doctor may order this if you have symptoms of infection or fertility concerns"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90279-1
- Short code
- SEMBC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Smn Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouthed, leak-proof plastic container (urine/specimen cup) without preservatives
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 104182007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of ejaculated semen
- Stability
- Room temperature: 1-2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 24 hours; Should be processed as soon as possible after collection to maximize recovery of fastidious organisms
- 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, and platelets, to help evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of conditions.
The Bacteria Identified in Semen by Aerobe culture test is a laboratory procedure that detects and identifies bacteria in a semen sample. It is also called a semen culture or semen analysis for infection. The test uses aerobic culture methods to grow and identify bacteria that may be causing infection in the male reproductive system, including the prostate, urethra, or seminal vesicles.
Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to look into symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or unexplained weight loss, or to monitor an existing condition or how a treatment is working.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms such as pain during urination, discharge from the penis, pain in the pelvic area or testicles, fever, or problems with fertility. The test helps determine if an infection is causing these symptoms and identifies the specific bacteria so appropriate antibiotics can be prescribed.
A health care professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a thin needle. The site is cleaned first, a bandage is applied afterward, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
You will need to provide a semen sample, usually collected through masturbation into a sterile container. It is important to abstain from sexual activity for 2-5 days before collecting the sample for accurate results. The sample should be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection. Note: Although the test information lists 'serum' as the sample type, this test actually requires a semen sample.
Results show whether your blood cell counts fall within normal ranges. Abnormal levels may point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, clotting disorders, or other issues that your doctor may want to investigate further.
A negative result means no bacteria were grown from the semen sample, which is the normal result. A positive result indicates that bacteria were found and identified. Common bacteria that may be detected include Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, or Streptococcus species. Your doctor will interpret the results based on your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria; Normal urogenital flora may be reported as suchN/A
Patient should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to collection. The specimen should be collected before antibiotic therapy is initiated whenever possible. Patient must wash hands and penis with soap and water, then urinate and rinse the glans before specimen collection. Specimen should be collected in a sterile, wide-mouthed, leak-proof container.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant for diagnosing infections of the male genitourinary tract, including acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis, urethritis, epididymitis, and orchitis. It is also important in the evaluation of male factor infertility, as infections can affect sperm quality and function. The identified bacteria help guide targeted antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Additionally, this test may be recommended before certain urological procedures or for men experiencing recurrent urinary tract infections. Positive results may indicate the need for further evaluation of the urinary tract or reproductive system.
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I have a sexually transmitted infection?
Will this test affect my fertility?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
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