Aerobic Culture

CPT Code(s):
87070

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 Culture holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology and infectious disease. This test involves culturing patient specimens in an oxygen-rich (aerobic) environment to identify and isolate aerobic bacteria responsible for infections.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Aerobic Culture include:

1. Identification of Bacterial Infections: The test aids in the identification of aerobic bacteria that cause a wide range of infections, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, wound infections, bloodstream infections, and others. By culturing the patient's specimen under aerobic conditions, the test supports the isolation and identification of the specific bacteria responsible for the infection.

2. Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility: Once the bacteria are identified, antibiotic susceptibility testing is performed to guide appropriate treatment. The test assesses the response of the isolated bacteria to different antibiotics, enabling healthcare providers to select the most effective treatment options. This helps prevent the inappropriate use of antibiotics and minimizes the risk of antibiotic resistance.

3. Monitoring of Infection Control Measures: Aerobic Culture assists in monitoring the effectiveness of infection control measures in healthcare settings. By identifying the bacteria causing infections, healthcare providers can track the presence and spread of specific pathogens, implement appropriate infection control measures, and prevent outbreaks.

4. Surveillance and Epidemiological Studies: Aerobic Culture tests play a crucial role in surveillance and epidemiological studies. By culturing specimens from a population or specific patient groups, trends in the prevalence and distribution of bacterial infections can be analyzed. This information aids in understanding patterns of infection, identifying emerging or resistant strains, and guiding public health interventions.

5. Research and Development: Aerobic Culture is essential for research purposes and the development of new diagnostic techniques and antimicrobial agents. By isolating and studying aerobic bacteria, researchers can gain insights into their pathogenic mechanisms, drug resistance mechanisms, and host interactions. This knowledge contributes to the advancement of microbiology and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

In summary, Aerobic Culture has specific clinical significance in microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. It aids in the identification of bacterial infections, determination of antibiotic susceptibility, monitoring infection control measures, conducting surveillance studies, and supporting research efforts. By providing valuable information about the presence, characteristics, and susceptibility patterns of aerobic bacteria, this test supports effective diagnosis, treatment decisions, and public health interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.