Culture, Aerobic Bacteria
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Test Code: 4550
Clinical Significance: 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.
Includes: If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge. Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate.
Methodology: Bacterial Culture, Aerobic; Includes routine isolation and identification procedures, antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate
Alternative Name(s): Aerobic Bacteria Culture,Aerobic Wound,Superficial Wound Culture,Aerobic Culture
Supply: S02 - Amies Gel Swab
Preferred Specimen(s): Superficial wounds, abscess, aspirates, animal bites
Special Instructions: Skin biopsy should be submitted in small amount of sterile, nonbacteriostatic saline (contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2 for specific instructions). For deep wounds and surgical specimens or whenever anaerobic infection must be ruled out, see test code 4446 (Culture, Aerobic and Anaerobic with Gram Stain).
Transport container: Transport swab with Aimes gel (blue-cap)
Transport temperature: Room Temperature
Specimen stability: Room Temperature - 48 hours
- Frozen specimens
- Specimens submitted in formalin
- Dry swabs
- Expired transport media
- Specimens greater than 48 hours old
For additional supply or collection device information, please contact DLO's Customer Service at (800) 891-2917, option 2.
CLIA