Complete Blood Count (CBC): What This Blood Test Measures and What Your Results Mean
This test identifies anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that can grow without oxygen) in tissue samples to diagnose certain types of infections.
{"The test detects anaerobic bacteria that cause infections in tissue","A tissue sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for culture","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics to treat the infection","Anaerobic infections often occur after surgery, injuries, or in areas with poor blood supply","Results typically take 2-7 days as bacteria need time to grow"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 628-8
- Short code
- ANATISS
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Tiss Anaerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile anaerobic transport container or anaerobic transport swab system; tissue specimen placed in anaerobic transport medium to maintain viability of oxygen-sensitive organisms
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87075
- SNOMED
- 28233006
- Specimen volume
- A minimum of 1 to 2 grams of tissue or as much tissue as clinically obtainable from the affected site; biopsies should include both affected and adjacent healthy tissue margins
- Stability
- Specimens must be transported to the laboratory immediately at room temperature and processed within 2 hours of collection; if delayed processing is anticipated, specimens should be stored at room temperature in anaerobic transport medium for no longer than 24 hours; do not refrigerate as cold temperatures are detrimental to anaerobic organisms
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? A complete blood count, or 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.
The Tissue Anaerobe Culture test is a laboratory test that identifies anaerobic bacteria in tissue samples. Anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that can grow and multiply without oxygen. These bacteria can cause serious infections in various parts of the body, including wounds, deep tissues, and organs.
How is the test performed? A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually on the inside of your elbow, using a thin needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the procedure typically takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare provider will collect a small sample of tissue from the affected area using a sterile procedure. This may be done during surgery or through a needle biopsy. The tissue sample is then placed in a special container that provides the ideal conditions for anaerobic bacteria to grow. The sample is sent to a microbiology laboratory where it is cultured and analyzed over several days.
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your blood cell levels fall within the normal range. Abnormal values may help your doctor detect conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or other blood disorders, and guide any further testing or treatment decisions.
If anaerobic bacteria are identified, the test report will specify the type of bacteria found. This information helps your doctor determine the most appropriate treatment, including which antibiotics will be most effective against the specific bacteria. A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected in the sample, though this does not completely rule out an infection.
Reference range
No anaerobic bacteria isolated; Normal skin and tissue flora absent or limited to non-pathogenic speciesN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy whenever possible. Discontinue topical antimicrobial agents at the collection site for 24 to 48 hours before specimen collection if clinically feasible
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Anaerobic bacteria are common causes of tissue infections, abscesses, wound infections, and post-surgical infections. Identifying the specific bacteria allows for targeted antibiotic therapy rather than using broad-spectrum antibiotics. This test is particularly important for infections that do not respond to standard antibiotic treatments, as well as for infections in areas with limited blood supply where anaerobic bacteria thrive.
Frequently asked questions
Does this test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens after the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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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