3-5 days. Preliminary report issued 3rd day. Final culture result issued 4th day.
Container
Culturette, red top or white top tube with fluid, or other sterile container. Samples collected in EDTA tube are not acceptable.
Specimen
Anaerobic culturette from fluid (body cavity fluids), TTW, BAL, wound, lesion, skin. Tissue sample (at least 2 cm x 2 cm) in sterile, air tight container. A separate sample should be submitted for each culture source.
Test Description
Anaerobic culture with identification of organism(s).
This test is used when an anaerobic bacterial infection is suspected in a tissue or fluid.
Interferences: Samples with exposure to air or if dried will preclude accurate testing.
Note: Fluids should be submitted in an RTT. Tissue should be submitted in an air‑tight, sterile container. No saline is necessary. Sensitivities are not performed, but drugs of choice for anaerobes are provided as a guide.