Anaerobic Bacterial Culture of Semen
An anaerobic semen culture is a laboratory test that detects anaerobic bacterial infections in the male reproductive tract, helping to diagnose infections that may affect fertility.
{该测试通过培养精液样本检测厌氧菌,帮助诊断生殖道感染和不明原因的不育,采样需要遵循特定的无菌操作流程,结果阳性通常需要抗生素治疗}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 90276-7
- Short code
- ANASMC
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Smn Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouthed, leak-proof container for semen collection; anaerobic transport media or sterile anaerobic transport vial
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 104193008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of semen specimen; entire ejaculate preferred for optimal recovery of anaerobic organisms
- Stability
- Specimen should be transported to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection at room temperature. If delayed, specimen should be maintained at room temperature (20-25°C) and processed within 2 hours maximum. Do not refrigerate as cold temperatures reduce recovery of anaerobic organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Anaerobic semen culture is a specialized microbiology test used to detect anaerobic bacteria in a man's semen. Anaerobic bacteria are organisms that grow in environments without oxygen, and some types can cause reproductive tract infections that affect sperm quality, count, and motility, potentially leading to infertility or sexually transmitted disease.
Why is this test needed?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you and your partner have been unable to conceive after prolonged attempts (infertility evaluation), if you have symptoms of a reproductive tract infection such as urethral pain or discharge, if you are being evaluated for prostatitis or another urogenital condition, or as part of routine testing before assisted reproductive technology treatment.
How is the test performed?
You should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days before the test. The sample is collected by masturbation directly into a sterile container, and you should avoid using lubricants or condoms. The sample should be sent to the laboratory immediately, ideally within 1 hour of collection. Laboratory technicians place the sample in an oxygen-free environment for culture to see whether bacteria grow and to identify the species present.
What do the test results mean?
A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected, which usually indicates there is no anaerobic infection. A positive result means anaerobic bacteria are present in the semen; common pathogens may include Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Peptostreptococcus species. Your doctor will develop an appropriate treatment plan, usually with antibiotics, based on the specific organism and your symptoms.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated (negative). Normal flora or no growth of pathogenic anaerobic organisms detected.N/A
Patient should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to specimen collection. The patient must wash hands and penis thoroughly with soap and water before collection. A urine specimen should be collected prior to semen collection if concurrent urinalysis is ordered. Antibiotic therapy should be noted as it may affect culture results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
精液厌氧菌培养对男性生殖健康评估具有重要意义。厌氧菌感染可引起附睾炎、前列腺炎、尿道炎等炎症性疾病，这些炎症会影响精子的生成、成熟和功能，导致精子数量减少、活力下降、形态异常，从而影响生育能力。此外，某些厌氧菌可通过性接触传播，引起伴侣的生殖道感染。因此，这项检查是男性不育症全面评估和感染性疾病诊断的重要环节。
Frequently asked questions
What preparation is needed before the test?
Is the test painful?
What if my result is positive?
Can this test detect sexually transmitted diseases?
Can the results affect fertility?
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