Understanding This Test: What It Is, How It Is Done, and Why Your Doctor May Order It
This test identifies anaerobic (oxygen-intolerant) bacteria in your blood through specialized culture methods.
{"Detects bacteria that grow without oxygen (anaerobes)","Helps diagnose deep tissue and internal infections","Guides targeted antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44856-3
- Short code
- ANAB4
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Anaerobe Cult org #4
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Anaerobic transport system (e.g., Port-A-Cul, BD ESwab, or sterile anaerobic container); avoid swabs when tissue or fluid is available
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 441652007
- Specimen volume
- Variable depending on specimen type; minimum 1-2 mL for fluid specimens, tissue samples should be at least 1 cm³ when possible
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory within 2 hours at room temperature in anaerobic transport medium; stable up to 24-48 hours if properly maintained in anaerobic conditions at room temperature
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a medical evaluation that gives your healthcare provider important information about your health. By measuring specific markers or examining a sample, it helps identify conditions, guide treatment decisions, and monitor how well your current therapy is working for you.
The anaerobic bacteria culture test is a laboratory procedure that identifies specific bacteria that thrive in oxygen-free environments. These bacteria, called anaerobes, cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. The test involves collecting a blood sample and cultivating it in special oxygen-free conditions to allow any present bacteria to multiply and be identified.
Your healthcare team will explain each step before the test begins. Depending on the type of test, it may involve providing a small sample of blood, urine, or other tissue, or completing a simple scan. The procedure is usually quick, and most people can return to their normal activities shortly afterward.
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is immediately placed in special anaerobic culture bottles that maintain an oxygen-free environment. These bottles are incubated at body temperature for several days to weeks, allowing any anaerobic bacteria present to grow. Once growth occurs, laboratory technicians can identify the specific type of bacteria.
Your provider may order this test to help diagnose a symptom, confirm or rule out a suspected condition, or track an illness you already have. It can also be part of a routine checkup or used to see how well your treatment is working over time.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection that might be caused by anaerobic bacteria. This includes infections such as abscesses, wound infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or intra-abdominal infections. Anaerobic bacteria are often involved in deep tissue infections, dental infections, and infections following surgery or trauma.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated (or specific organism identified reported as final result)N/A
Discontinue antimicrobial agents prior to specimen collection if clinically feasible. Collect specimen before initiating antibiotic therapy when possible. Avoid contamination with normal flora from skin or mucosal surfaces.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Identifying the specific anaerobic bacteria causing an infection is crucial for determining the most effective antibiotic treatment. Different anaerobic bacteria have different antibiotic sensitivities, so precise identification helps doctors choose the right medication. This test is particularly important for severe or persistent infections that have not responded to standard antibiotic treatments.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Is the test painful?
What does it mean if anaerobic bacteria are found?
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