Diagnostic Testing Explained: What to Expect, Why It Is Needed, and How to Understand Your Results
This test identifies anaerobic bacteria in a specimen through culture to help diagnose infections caused by bacteria that grow without oxygen.
{"Anaerobe culture detects bacteria that thrive without oxygen","Helps diagnose infections like abscesses, wound infections, and septicemia","Results guide antibiotic selection for effective treatment","Proper sample collection is critical for accurate results","This test identifies specific bacteria, not general infection"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 44858-9
- Short code
- ANBACT6
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Spec Anaerobe Cult org #6
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Anaerobic transport system (e.g., Anaerobic Transport Medium, Port-A-Cul vial, or ESwab in anaerobic transport). For sterile fluids, use sterile screw-cap container. Avoid using dry swabs.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87076
- SNOMED
- 408642003
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL of fluid, tissue sample (minimum 1 cm³), or swab in anaerobic transport medium. Collect as much specimen as clinically feasible.
- Stability
- Specimens in anaerobic transport medium are stable at room temperature (20-25°C) for up to 48 hours. Tissue and fluid specimens should be processed within 2 hours if not placed in transport medium. Do not refrigerate anaerobic cultures.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what does it check for?
The anaerobe culture test is a laboratory procedure that cultivates and identifies anaerobic bacteria from your specimen. Anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that can grow and multiply in environments without oxygen. This test helps healthcare providers determine if an anaerobic infection is present and identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection, which is essential for prescribing the most effective antibiotic treatment.
How is the test performed during my visit?
Your healthcare provider will collect a sample from the suspected infection site, which may include blood, tissue, pus, or fluid from a wound or abscess. The sample is placed in special culture media and incubated in an oxygen-free environment to encourage anaerobic bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians then identify any bacteria that appear and perform additional tests to determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order an anaerobe culture if you have symptoms of an infection that may be caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as deep tissue infections, abdominal infections, dental infections, gas gangrene, or bacterial septicemia. Anaerobic infections often produce foul-smelling discharge, tissue death, or gas bubbles in tissues. This test is particularly important when standard antibiotic treatments are not working or when the infection appears severe or deep-seated.
What do the results mean?
A positive result means anaerobic bacteria were found and identified in your specimen, confirming an anaerobic infection. The laboratory will report which specific bacteria were found. A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected, though this does not completely rule out infection—other types of bacteria or non-infectious causes may be responsible. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and other clinical findings.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated; or identification of clinically significant anaerobic organism(s) with quantitation if applicable. Normal/expected: No growth of pathogenic anaerobes.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. Discontinue topical antimicrobials from collection site 24-48 hours prior to collection if clinically feasible. Avoid contamination with normal flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The anaerobe culture test is clinically significant for diagnosing anaerobic bacterial infections, which account for a significant portion of wound infections, intra-abdominal infections, and septicemia. Identifying the specific anaerobic pathogen enables targeted antibiotic therapy, as anaerobic infections often require specific antibiotics (such as metronidazole, clindamycin, or penicillins) different from those used for aerobic bacteria. This test also helps detect polymicrobial infections where both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are present. The results contribute to antimicrobial stewardship by guiding appropriate antibiotic selection and preventing treatment failure.
Frequently asked questions
Is fasting required before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
Are there risks associated with this test?
What happens after the results?
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