Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation

CPT Code(s):
87070

Turnaround Time:
9 - 15 days

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:
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:
48 hours

Frozen:
Unacceptable

Clinical Significance

The Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology and infectious disease, particularly for detecting slow-growing or difficult-to-culture bacteria that may require an extended incubation period.

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

1. Detection of Slow-Growing Bacteria: Some bacteria have a slow growth rate and may not be readily detectable using standard incubation times in aerobic culture. The extended incubation period in this test allows for the detection and growth of these slow-growing bacteria, aiding in the identification of infections caused by these pathogens.

2. Diagnosis of Chronic or Persistent Infections: Chronic or persistent infections often involve elusive or slow-growing microorganisms that are challenging to detect using standard culture methods. The Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation increases the likelihood of identifying these pathogens, facilitating the diagnosis and appropriate management of these difficult-to-treat infections.

3. Guiding Antibiotic Selection: By identifying slow-growing or difficult-to-detect bacteria through the Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation test, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions regarding antibiotic selection. Slow-growing pathogens may exhibit unique antimicrobial susceptibility patterns that differ from commonly encountered bacteria. Identifying the specific organism causing the infection helps guide targeted antibiotic therapy, improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.

4. Management of Recurrent Infections: Recurrent infections may be caused by bacteria that have a prolonged incubation period or require extended growth conditions for detection. The Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation aids in identifying these slow-growing pathogens, enabling healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment strategies to address the underlying cause of recurrent infections.

5. Research and Surveillance: The extended incubation period in this test supports research endeavors and surveillance studies. By allowing the growth of slow-growing bacteria, it facilitates the identification and characterization of rare or emerging pathogens. This information contributes to understanding their epidemiology, antibiotic resistance patterns, and guiding public health interventions.

In summary, the Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation holds clinical significance in microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. It assists in detecting slow-growing bacteria, diagnosing chronic or persistent infections, guiding antibiotic selection, managing recurrent infections, and supporting research and surveillance efforts. By providing an extended incubation period, this test increases the chances of identifying challenging microorganisms, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient care.