Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation

CPT Code(s):
87075

Turnaround Time:
14 days

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 hours

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
Unacceptable

Clinical Significance

The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of microbiology and infectious disease. This test is designed to identify and isolate anaerobic bacteria from clinical specimens by creating an environment devoid of oxygen and allowing extended incubation time for slow-growing organisms.

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

1. Detection 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. The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation helps identify and isolate these bacteria from clinical specimens, aiding in the diagnosis and targeted treatment of anaerobic infections.

2. Recovery of Slow-Growing Organisms: Some anaerobic bacteria have a slow growth rate and require extended incubation periods to grow in culture. The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation provides the necessary conditions and prolonged incubation time to optimize the recovery of these slow-growing organisms, ensuring their detection and accurate identification.

3. Identification of Rare or Fastidious Anaerobes: Certain anaerobic bacteria are considered rare or fastidious, meaning they are not commonly encountered in routine clinical cultures or may have specific growth requirements. The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation improves the chances of detecting and identifying these less common anaerobes, enabling more comprehensive microbiological analysis and targeted treatment approaches.

4. Diagnosis of Chronic or Persistent Infections: Chronic and persistent infections often involve anaerobic bacteria that may be missed by routine culture methods with shorter incubation times. The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation allows for the detection and recovery of anaerobic bacteria that may be responsible for these challenging infections. This aids in establishing a definitive diagnosis and guiding appropriate long-term treatment strategies.

5. Research and Surveillance Purposes: The Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation plays a role in research and surveillance efforts related to anaerobic bacteria. By creating an optimal environment for the growth and identification of anaerobes, this test helps expand knowledge of anaerobic pathogens, their antimicrobial susceptibilities, and epidemiological patterns.

In summary, the Anaerobic Culture, Extended Incubation has clinical significance in microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. It aids in the detection and isolation of anaerobic bacteria, including slow-growing or less common species, facilitating the diagnosis and targeted treatment of anaerobic infections. By utilizing extended incubation time and specialized culture techniques, this test enhances the recovery and identification of anaerobic pathogens, providing valuable information for patient management and research purposes.