Test ID ANAE Bacterial Culture, Anaerobic
Useful For
Diagnosing anaerobic bacterial infections
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
RMALA | Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec Anaerobe | No, (Bill Only) | No |
ISAN | Anaerobe Ident by Sequencing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
BLA | Beta Lactamase | No, (Bill Only) | No |
TISSR | Tissue Processing | No, (Bill Only) | No |
ANAID | Anaerobe Ident | No, (Bill Only) | No |
PCRID | Identification by PCR | No, (Bill Only) | No |
Testing Algorithm
When this test is ordered, the reflex tests may be performed and charged.
Method Name
Conventional Culture
Reporting Name
Bacterial Culture, AnaerobicSpecimen Type
VariesSpecimen should arrive within 72 hours of collection.
Specimen Types: Abscesses, percutaneous transtracheal aspirates, sterile body fluids, suprapubic aspirations, or wounds
Container/Tube: Anaerobic transport vial (T591)
Collection Instructions: Specimen should be obtained by using a needle and syringe from a source not normally colonized by anaerobes.
Additional Information: Specimen source is required.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Microbiology Test Request Form (T244) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/microbiology_test_request_form.pdf).
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Varies | Ambient | 72 hours |
Clinical Information
Anaerobic bacteria are the greatest component of the human body's normal bacterial flora colonizing the skin, oral cavity, and genitourinary and lower gastrointestinal tracts and generally do not cause infection. Their presence is important for vitamin and other nutrient absorption and in preventing infection with pathogenic bacteria.
When usual skin and mucosal barriers are penetrated and in an anaerobic environment, these bacteria can behave as pathogens. Typical anaerobic infections include periodontitis, abdominal or pelvic abscesses, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, aspiration pneumonia, empyema and lung abscesses, sinusitis, brain abscesses, gas gangrene, and other soft tissue infections.
Anaerobes grow aggressively in the body under anaerobic conditions and may possess a variety of virulence factors including capsules and extracellular enzymes. They also can develop resistance to antimicrobials by producing beta-lactamase and other modifying enzymes and by alterations in membrane permeability and structure of penicillin-binding proteins. Because anaerobic bacteria are a significant cause of human infection and they are often resistant to commonly used antimicrobials, susceptibility testing results are useful to clinicians. Many Bacteroides species produce beta-lactamases. Imipenem, metronidazole, and clindamycin are effective agents although resistance to clindamycin, and occasionally imipenem, is increasing.
Reference Values
No growth
Identification of probable pathogens
Cautions
Specimens should be collected by needle and syringe aspiration or surgical drainage to avoid contamination with normal-flora anaerobes; such contamination would make interpretation of culture results impossible.
Specimens must be transported in anaerobic transport vials.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; Continuously
Report Available
14 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test uses a standard method. Its performance characteristics were determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87075-Bacterial Culture, Anaerobic
87076-Id MALDI-TOF Mass Spec Anaerobe (if appropriate)
87153-Anaerobe Ident by Sequencing (if appropriate)
87176-Tissue Processing (if appropriate)
87185-Beta lactamase (if appropriate)