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Test Code M56 Culture, Anaerobic

Important Note

Anaerobes will be identified and susceptibility testing performed by provider request. MICs are routinely sent to Mayo Medical Laboratory on isolates from blood cultures, bone and joint infections, brain abscesses or as requested by the physician.

Infectious

Additional Codes

ALAB: ANACUL

PowerChart: Anaerobic Culture

MA Cerner: Anaerobic Culture

Test Method

Manual; Agar Growth and Biochemical Identification

Specimen Requirement

The following specimens are routinely cultured for anaerobes:

  • Abscess
  • Bartholin abscess
  • Biopsy specimen
  • Cornea rim
  • Cul-de-centesis
  • Cul-de-sac
  • Deep wound
  • Dental abscess
  • Donor cornea
  • Ear Internal
  • Endometrium
  • Epidymis aspirate
  • Eye (other than conjunctiva)
  • Fallopian tube
  • Fetus
  • Fluids:
    • amniotic
    • bile
    • dialysate
    • pericardial
    • peritoneal
    • pleural
    • synovial
    • thoracentesis
  • IUD
  • Lochia
  • Nasal sinus
  • Ovaries
  • Paracentesis
  • Pericardial
  • Placenta
  • Products of conception
  • Prostatic or Testicular aspirate
  • Rectal abscess
  • Semen
  • Suprapubic bladder tap urine
  • Surgical specimen
  • Tissue or biopsy
  • Transtracheal aspirate
  • Uterine material
  • Vaginal cuff
  • Vulva

Other specimens may be cultured for anaerobes upon physician request.

See Culture, Aerobic for specific collection instructions.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect the specimen using a sterile container, syringe and needle, Culture swab or submit tissue/biopsy samples. Do not transport material for culture in the syringe. Transfer aspirated material to a sterile container. Place tissue/biopsy samples in a sterile container. Label the specimen appropriately including source, date and time of collection. Transport to the laboratory immediately after collection.

Performance

48-96 hours after specimen arrives at the testing site.

  • IUD: 7 days after the specimen is received at the testing site.

Reference Values

Not applicable

Exceptions:

IUD:

Usually sterile but may be contaminated with vaginal organisms during collection. The predominant anaerobic bacteria present, including actinomyces, are identified and beta lactamase testing is performed.

CPT Code Information

87075 Bacterial Culture, Anaerobic

Useful For

Diagnosing anaerobic bacterial infections.

LOINC Code Information

635-3 Bacteria Identified In Unspecified Specimen By Anaerobe Culture

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