Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
A laboratory test that grows and identifies bacteria from an unknown substance to determine if a bacterial infection is present.
{"This test helps identify harmful bacteria causing infection","The sample is placed in conditions that allow bacteria to grow","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Results typically take 2-5 days","The test identifies specific bacteria, not just whether infection exists"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 631-2
- Short code
- BCTID
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Usub Aerobe Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container appropriate for the specimen source; transport media may be required depending on sample type
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 104182001
- Specimen volume
- Volume varies by specimen source; typically 1-10 mL for fluid specimens or adequate tissue/swab sample
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory as soon as possible; specimens should be processed within 2 hours of collection at room temperature. If delayed, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours unless otherwise specified for specific organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It helps your healthcare provider evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of conditions.
The Bacteria Identified in Unknown Substance by Aerobe Culture test is a laboratory procedure used to detect and identify bacteria in a sample collected from your body. The sample is placed in a special environment with oxygen (aerobic conditions) that allows bacteria to grow. Once bacteria multiply, laboratory scientists can identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
How is the test performed? The test is performed by drawing a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the site, insert a thin needle, and collect the blood into a tube. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, and the procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
A healthcare provider collects a sample from the affected area of your body—this could be blood, urine, wound tissue, sputum, or other bodily fluids. The sample is then placed in culture media and incubated at body temperature. If bacteria are present, they will multiply and form colonies that can be observed and tested to identify the exact type of bacteria.
Why might I need this test? Your doctor may order this test as part of a routine checkup, to help diagnose symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, or unusual bruising, to monitor an existing condition like anemia or infection, or to track how treatments such as chemotherapy or certain medications are affecting your blood cells.
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as fever, pain, swelling, or discharge. The test helps confirm whether a bacterial infection is present and identifies the specific bacteria so that the most effective treatment can be prescribed.
What do the results mean? Your results show whether your blood cell counts fall within normal ranges. Values that are too high or too low may point to conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorders, or blood cancers. Your provider will interpret the results together with your symptoms and medical history to decide if further testing or treatment is needed.
A positive result means bacteria were found and identified in your sample, confirming a bacterial infection. The report will specify the type of bacteria found. A negative result means no bacteria were detected, which could indicate the infection is viral, that the infection is in a different location, or that you are responding to antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will interpret these results in context with your symptoms and other test findings.
Reference range
No aerobic bacteria isolated; normal flora; or reportable pathogen identified with identification to genus and species levelN/A
No special patient preparation required for specimen collection. If specimen is from a normally sterile site, ensure aseptic collection technique to avoid contamination with skin or environmental flora.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing bacterial infections and guiding appropriate treatment. By identifying the specific bacteria, doctors can select the most effective antibiotic, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use and helping combat antibiotic resistance. The test is commonly used for infections including urinary tract infections, wound infections, bloodstream infections, and respiratory infections.
Frequently asked questions
Does a negative result mean I don't have an infection?
How long does it take to get results?
Will the test tell my doctor which antibiotic to use?
Is the test painful?
Sources
- 1
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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