Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation

CPT Code(s):
87070, 87075

Turnaround Time:
14 days

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Wounds, Abscess, Aspirates or Drainage

Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL (or 1 swab)

Transport Container:
Swab or Sterile Cup or syringe

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Swab the infected area or exudates using proper collection technique. Do not send syringe with needle.

Rejection Criteria:
Improper labeling; specimen received in grossly leaking transport container; specimen received in expired transport media; specimen received after prolonged delay (usually more than 48 hours)

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
48 hours

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
Unacceptable

Clinical Significance

The Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology, particularly for diagnosing infections that may be caused by slow-growing or difficult-to-detect microorganisms.

The test involves culturing patient specimens in both aerobic (oxygen-rich) and anaerobic (oxygen-deprived) environments, but with an extended incubation period compared to standard culture methods. This prolonged incubation allows for the detection and growth of slow-growing or fastidious microorganisms that may require more time to manifest visible growth.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation include:

1. Identification of Slow-Growing Pathogens: Some infectious agents, such as certain bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and some fastidious organisms, have a slow growth rate and may not be readily detected using standard culture methods with shorter incubation times. The extended incubation in Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture provides a higher likelihood of identifying these pathogens, aiding in the diagnosis of infections caused by such organisms.

2. Diagnosis of Chronic or Persistent Infections: Chronic or persistent infections, characterized by recurrent or prolonged symptoms, may be caused by elusive or slow-growing microorganisms. The extended incubation period in this test increases the chances of detecting these pathogens, contributing to a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these challenging infections.

3. Guidance for Targeted Therapy: The identification of slow-growing or difficult-to-culture microorganisms through the Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation allows for targeted antibiotic therapy. Slow-growing pathogens may have unique antimicrobial susceptibility patterns that differ from common pathogens. By identifying the specific organism causing the infection, healthcare providers can tailor treatment regimens to effectively target and eradicate the pathogen, leading to improved patient outcomes.

4. Support for Infectious Disease Management: The Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation provides valuable information to infectious disease specialists, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding patient management. It assists in selecting appropriate antimicrobial agents, adjusting treatment plans, and managing infection control measures in healthcare settings.

5. Research and Surveillance: Extended incubation culture techniques are also employed in research and surveillance studies to detect rare or emerging pathogens. By providing a conducive environment for the growth of slow-growing organisms, this test contributes to the identification and characterization of novel or less frequently encountered microbial species.

In summary, the Aerobic and Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation is clinically significant in microbiology, offering diagnostic benefits for detecting slow-growing or difficult-to-detect pathogens. It aids in the diagnosis of chronic or persistent infections, guides targeted therapy, supports infectious disease management, and contributes to research and surveillance efforts. By providing a longer incubation period, this test enhances the likelihood of identifying challenging microorganisms, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.