Anaerobic Culture and Gram Stain

CPT Code(s):
87075, 87205

Turnaround Time:
48 - 72 hours

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Specimen:
Wounds, Abscess, Aspirates or Drainage

Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL (or 1 swab)

Transport Container:
BBL CultureSwab or ESwab; Sterile Cup

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 hors

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
Unacceptable

Clinical Significance

Anaerobic Bacteria with Gram Stain holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology and infectious disease. This test is designed to identify and characterize anaerobic bacteria present in clinical specimens, using the Gram staining technique.

The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Anaerobic Bacteria with Gram Stain include:

1. Identification of Anaerobic Infections: Anaerobic bacteria are microorganisms that can cause infections in various body sites, including the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, skin, and deep tissue. Gram stain aids in identifying anaerobic bacteria as a potential cause of infection, helping healthcare providers target appropriate antimicrobial therapy and manage infections effectively.

2. Assessment of Infection Severity: The presence of anaerobic bacteria in clinical specimens, as determined by Gram stain, can provide valuable information about the severity and complexity of an infection. Anaerobic infections are often associated with mixed microbial populations, including both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Identifying the presence of anaerobic bacteria through Gram staining helps guide treatment decisions and antimicrobial coverage.

3. Differentiation from Aerobic Infections: Gram stain assists in differentiating anaerobic infections from aerobic infections caused by bacteria that require oxygen to grow. Gram staining provides information on the cell morphology and staining characteristics of bacteria, allowing for differentiation between anaerobic and aerobic organisms. This differentiation is important for selecting appropriate antibiotics and guiding infection management.

4. Diagnostic Aid in Culture Selection: Gram stain acts as a diagnostic aid in selecting appropriate culture media for anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria have specific growth requirements and can be challenging to culture using standard methods. Gram stain helps identify the need for specialized anaerobic culture techniques and specific media to optimize the recovery and identification of anaerobic pathogens.

5. Monitoring Treatment Response: Gram stain can be used to monitor the response to treatment for anaerobic infections. Serial Gram stain testing of clinical specimens can help evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy, as changes in the types and abundance of bacteria observed in Gram staining can indicate treatment response or recurrence of infection.

In summary, Anaerobic Bacteria with Gram Stain has clinical significance in microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. It aids in identifying anaerobic bacteria as the cause of infection, assessing infection severity, differentiating anaerobic infections from aerobic infections, guiding culture selection, and monitoring treatment response. By utilizing the Gram stain technique to identify anaerobic bacteria, healthcare providers gain valuable insights into the nature of the infection, enabling targeted treatment strategies and improved patient care.