Home
HelpTest Code LAB6080 Culture, Anaerobic
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CULTURE, ANAEROBIC | LAB6080 | CXANA |
Useful For/Utility
Diagnosing anaerobic bacterial infections.
Methodology
Direct smear included
Clinical Information
Anaerobic bacteria are the greatest component of the human body's normal bacterial flora colonizing the skin, oral cavity, and genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal tracts and generally do not cause infection. Their presence is important for vitamin and other nutrient absorption and in preventing infection with pathogenic bacteria. When usual skin and mucosal barriers are penetrated as well as in anaerobic environment, these bacteria can behave as pathogens. Typical anaerobic infections include periodontitis, abdominal or pelvic abscesses, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, aspiration pneumonia, empyema and lung abscesses, sinusitis, brain abscesses, gas gangrene, and other soft tissue infections.
Specimen Requirements
Specimens must be transported in anaerobic transport vials or conditions.
Whenever possible, culture specimens should be obtained before antibiotics or antimicrobial agents have been administered.
Sources which contain anaerobes as “normal flora” (ie, mouth/throat, vaginal, rectal) are not appropriate and should not be submitted. For sources that are not collected on a swab (ie, blood, body fluid, tissue), see individual test listings.
Unacceptable Specimens: Blood, Spinal Fluid, Urine.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Specimen Type: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE or anaerobic transport system
Container/Tube: Liquid Amies Elution Swab (ESwab) Copan 480C, Copan 480CE or anaerobic transport system
Specimen Volume: Swab
Collection Instructions:
1. Calcium alginate, cotton, non-sterile, or wooden-shafted swab is not acceptable.
2. Specimen source is required.
3. Return swab to pre-moistened transport tube. Dry swab is not acceptable.
Additional Information:
1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source/type of specimen.
2. If there is a delay in transport of >48 hours, process specimen as follows:
a. Inoculate and streak to appropriate agar medium and make a direct smear.
b. Blood agar plate (BAP), CNA, and chocolate (CHOC) agar plates should be incubated in Bio-Bag type C. ANABAP, PEA, and BBE/LKV plates should be placed in an anaerobic GasPak Pouch. MAC plate should be in regular air.
c. Incubate all plates at 33° C to 37° C.
d. Transport to the laboratory within 72 hours.
Specimen Type: Abscess, Ulcer, or Aspirate (Not a body fluid)
Container/Tube: Sterile container or syringe with needle removed
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Specimen source is required.
Additional Information:
1. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and source/type of specimen.
2. If there is a delay in transport of >48 hours, process specimen as follows:
a. Inoculate and streak to appropriate agar medium and make a direct smear.
b. Blood agar plate (BAP), CNA, and chocolate (CHOC) agar plates should be incubated in Bio-Bag type C. ANABAP, PEA, and BBE/LKV plates should be placed in an anaerobic GasPak Pouch. MAC plate should be in regular air.
c. Incubate all plates at 33° C to 37° C.
d. Transport to the laboratory within 72 hours.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient OK/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology -
SMDC Clinical Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87075-Culture, anaerobic
Reference Values
Approximately 2-7 days to final report