Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, How It Is Performed, and What Your Results Mean for Your Health
This test identifies anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without oxygen) found in tissue samples to help diagnose infections.
{"The test cultures tissue samples to find anaerobic bacteria that may cause infection","Results help doctors identify the specific bacteria causing your infection","This information guides appropriate antibiotic treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17923-4
- Short code
- BCTAN2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Tiss Anaerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservatives; Anaerobic transport medium recommended for tissue specimens to maintain viability of obligate anaerobes
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- anaerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87076
- SNOMED
- 44317008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 grams of tissue or as much tissue as clinically available; Submit multiple tissue samples from different sites when possible
- Stability
- Tissue specimens should be delivered to the laboratory within 2 hours of collection at room temperature in anaerobic transport medium; If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours; Do not freeze
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and why has my healthcare provider recommended it as part of my care?
The Anaerobic Bacteria 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 various infections, including skin infections, deep tissue infections, abscesses, and infections following surgery or trauma.
How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the sample collection or procedure?
A tissue sample is collected from the infected area by your healthcare provider. The sample is then placed in special culture containers that provide the proper environment for anaerobic bacteria to grow. Laboratory technicians monitor the culture over several days to identify any bacteria present and determine their type.
What do the results of this test mean, and how will my doctor use them to guide my treatment plan?
A positive result means anaerobic bacteria were found in your tissue sample, which likely explains your infection. A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were detected, though other types of bacteria or causes may still be considered. Your doctor will interpret these results along with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
No growth of anaerobic bacteria identified; Normal flora may be reported as such when clinically relevantN/A
Discontinue antibiotics prior to collection when clinically feasible; Collect tissue sample using aseptic surgical technique; Avoid contamination with skin or mucosal flora
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is important for diagnosing infections caused by anaerobic bacteria, which are common in wounds, abscesses, and post-surgical infections. Identifying the specific bacteria helps doctors select the most effective antibiotic treatment. Anaerobic infections can be serious if left untreated, as they may lead to tissue damage and spread of infection.
Frequently asked questions
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
What happens if anaerobic bacteria are found?
Sources
- 1
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- 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