Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture
CPT Code(s):
87070, 87075
Turnaround Time:
48 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Wounds, Abscess, Aspirates or Drainage
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL (or 1 swab)
Transport Container:
BBL Swab with Aimes gel
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Swab the infected area or exudates using proper collection technique. Do not send syringe with needle.
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received in grossly leaking transport media. Expired transport media. Improper labeling. Frozen.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
48 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
Unacceptable
Clinical Significance
Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases. This test involves the cultivation of microorganisms obtained from a patient's clinical specimen in both aerobic (oxygen-rich) and anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) environments to identify and determine the susceptibility of bacteria.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture include:
1. Identification of Infectious Agents: The test helps identify and isolate the bacteria responsible for an infection. By culturing the clinical specimen under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, a wide range of potential pathogens can be detected, including aerobic bacteria that require oxygen for growth and anaerobic bacteria that thrive in oxygen-deprived environments.
2. Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility: After isolating the bacteria, susceptibility testing is performed to determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. Antibiotic susceptibility testing involves exposing the cultured bacteria to various antibiotics and assessing their growth inhibition. This information guides healthcare providers in selecting appropriate antibiotics for targeted treatment, minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance and optimizing patient outcomes.
3. Diagnosis of Deep-seated Infections: Some infections, such as certain types of abscesses, involve mixed populations of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. By conducting both aerobic and anaerobic cultures, this test enables the detection of a broader range of pathogens, including those that may not grow or thrive in the presence of oxygen. This is particularly important for diagnosing deep-seated infections or infections in specific anatomical sites that create anaerobic conditions.
4. Guidance for Surgical Interventions: In cases where surgical intervention is necessary, Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture assists in guiding the selection of appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis. By identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection and their susceptibility patterns, healthcare providers can tailor antibiotic regimens to prevent post-operative infections effectively.
5. Monitoring Treatment Efficacy: Serial cultures can be performed over the course of treatment to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotics. This helps determine whether the selected antibiotics are adequately targeting and eliminating the infectious bacteria. If the cultures remain positive, it may indicate the need for a change in antibiotic therapy or a reevaluation of the treatment plan.
In summary, Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture is of significant clinical importance in microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. It aids in identifying infectious agents, determining antibiotic susceptibility, diagnosing deep-seated infections, guiding surgical interventions, and monitoring treatment efficacy. By providing valuable information about the pathogens and their response to antibiotics, this test supports healthcare providers in delivering targeted and effective treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in cases of bacterial infections.