Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient's Guide to Testing, Sample Collection, and Preparation
This test identifies aerobic bacteria present in a sample to help diagnose bacterial infections.
{"The test grows and identifies bacteria from your sample in a laboratory","It helps doctors determine what type of bacterial infection you may have","Results guide doctors in choosing the right antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 634-6
- Short code
- BACID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container appropriate for specimen type (e.g., sterile screw-cap tube, sterile cup, swab transport system such as Amies or Stuart medium, blood culture bottles for blood specimens)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87071
- SNOMED
- 395-4
- Specimen volume
- Variable by specimen source; generally 1-10 mL of fluid/tissue or appropriate swab collection; blood cultures typically 8-10 mL per bottle for adults, 1-3 mL for pediatric bottles
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory as soon as possible. Most specimens stable at room temperature for 2-24 hours depending on source. Refrigerate (2-8°C) urine, sputum, and wound specimens if delayed >2 hours. Maintain blood culture bottles at room temperature.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This is a laboratory test that analyzes a sample collected from your body to help your doctor evaluate your overall health, screen for certain medical conditions, or monitor how a treatment plan is working over time.
An aerobic bacterial culture is a laboratory test that allows doctors to find and identify aerobic bacteria (bacteria that need oxygen to grow) in your sample. The sample is placed in special containers that promote bacterial growth. Laboratory professionals then observe what types of bacteria grow and perform tests to identify them specifically.
A trained healthcare professional will collect the sample, most often by drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm with a sterile needle, though some tests instead require a urine, saliva, or swab sample.
The sample type depends on where the infection might be. Common samples include blood, urine, sputum (mucus from lungs), wound swab, or stool. Your healthcare provider will collect the appropriate sample based on your symptoms. For example, a urine sample may be collected midstream into a sterile container, while a wound sample is taken by swabbing the affected area.
Your doctor may order this test to check how well your organs are functioning, confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis, monitor an ongoing condition, or determine whether your current medications are working as expected.
This test is ordered when your doctor suspects you have a bacterial infection. It helps confirm whether a bacterial infection is present and identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the problem. This information is crucial for determining the most effective treatment, especially which antibiotic will work best against the specific bacteria.
Preparation depends on the specific test you are having. You may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours beforehand, avoid certain foods, drinks, or medications, and drink plenty of water, so always follow the instructions your provider gives you.
Preparation depends on the sample type. For urine samples, you may be asked to drink plenty of water and avoid certain foods. For blood samples, you may need to fast. Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions. Always inform your doctor about any antibiotics you are currently taking, as they may affect the results.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic aerobic bacteria; normal flora reported as such when appropriate to specimen sourceN/A
Specimen collection should be performed prior to initiating antibiotic therapy whenever possible. Follow site-specific aseptic collection protocols. Discontinue topical antimicrobials from collection site 24-48 hours prior when feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Does a positive result always mean I have an infection?
What happens if no bacteria grow in the culture?
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