Anaerobic Bacterial Culture

Test informationDetails
Lab sectionBacteriology
Test descriptionAnaerobic culture for bacteria
SpeciesAll
Submission informationDetails
Sample typeFresh tissues > 2-3 cm in diameter; ligated loops of bowel; swabs; feces
Container
  • Swabs: ACT 1 anaerobic transport media
  • Tissues or ligated bowel: sealed sterile container
  • Feces: > 10 g of feces in sealed container with air excluded (e.g. Whirl-Pak)
  • NOTE: Exposure to oxygen reduces the ability to recover anaerobic bacteria. Do not use a large container for a small sample.
Special submission instructions
  • Amies transport swabs/ aerobic transport medi, if used, will yield suboptimal results.
  • Swabs should NOT be shipped with cold packs.
  • Tissues or bowel loops should be frozen before shipping and shipped with sufficient cold packs to keep samples very cold.
  • Refrigerated samples (not frozen) must arrive at the lab within 24 hours of collection for optimal results.
Turnaround time4 business days