Anaerobic and Aerobic Culture and Gram Stain

Test ID: 

705689

CPT code:

87070, 87075, 87205

Synonyms:

Anaerobic Culture, Abscess/Anaerobic Culture, Wound/Culture, Anaerobic/Wound Anaerobic Culture

Clinical Use:

Isolate and identify anaerobic pathogenic organisms; determine susceptibility of isolates (extra charge). When actinomycetes are suspected a specific request must be made

Specimen Type:

Pus, tissue, or other material properly obtained from an abscess, biopsy, aspirate, drainage, exudate, lesion, or wound. To ensure proper growth of organisms place swabs/specimen in anaerobic transporter. Do not refrigerate.

Requested Volume: 

Swab(s) in aerobic/anaerobic swab transport or 0.5 mL pus, other fluid, or tissue from aspirated site in anaerobic transporter and one thin smear

Container Type: 

Aerobic/anaerobic bacterial swab transport containing gel preservative or anaerobic transporter and one prepared smear in slide carrier

Patient Preparation: 

Sterile preparation of the aspiration site is imperative.

Collection:

Some anaerobes will be killed by contact with molecular oxygen for only a few seconds. Overlying and adjacent areas must be carefully disinfected to eliminate contamination with indigenous flora. Ideally, pus or other fluid obtained by needle aspiration through intact skin or mucosal surface that has been cleaned with antiseptic should be collected

Storage Instructions:

Specimens for anaerobic culture should be maintained at room temperature. Under these conditions, aerobes and anaerobes will survive 24 to 72 hours when properly collected in the anaerobic transport tube

Rejection Criteria

Unlabeled specimen or name discrepancy between specimen and test request label; specimen not received in appropriate anaerobic transport tube; swab not in gel transport medium; ESwab™; swab not stored in oxygen-free atmosphere; specimen refrigerated; specimen received after prolonged delay in transport (usually more than 72 hours).