Culture, Aerobic Bacteria
Test Code
Clinical Significance
Culture, Aerobic Bacteria - Aerobic bacteria cause a variety of human infections. Proper specimen collection and transport, media and incubation are important criteria for the recovery of aerobes. The primary aerobic bacterial agents of skin and tissue infections include S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, members of the enterobacteriaceae, and beta-hemolytic streptococci. The results of aerobic cultures assist the clinician with diagnosis and treatment of patients with bacterial infections. Proper interpretation of culture results is dependent on specimen source and known pathogenicity of the isolated organism.
Test Resources
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Test Details
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).
Methodology
Includes routine isolation and identification procedures, antimicrobic susceptibility testing when appropriate
Alternative Name(s)
Preferred Specimen(s)
Wounds, abscess, aspirates or drainage collected in Amies liquid transport swab, Amies gel transport swab, Amies liquid elution swab ESwab™ or equivalent or submit in a sterile leak-proof container or capped syringe
Minimum Volume
One transport swab
Collection Instructions
If submitting in syringe, remove needle, expel air, and recap syringe.
Note: For deep wounds and surgical specimens or whenever anaerobic infection must be ruled out, see Culture, Aerobic and Anaerobic with Gram Stain.
Transport Container
Transport swab or sterile leak-proof container or capped syringe
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 48 hours
- Refrigerated: 48 hours
- Frozen: Unacceptable
Reject Criteria
Dry swabs • Nails • Molecular transport systems • Post-mortem specimens • Skin scrapings • Specimens submitted in formalin • Swabs of oral specimens (ex. gums, teeth) • Wooden-shafted, cotton tipped swabs • Calcium alginate swabs
Setup Schedule
Note: For deep wounds and surgical specimens or whenever anaerobic infection must be ruled out, see Culture, Aerobic and Anaerobic with Gram Stain.
Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable