CULTURE, ANAEROBIC

Message

Note:Anaerobic culture cannot be ordered alone;aerobic culture will be reflexed with additional cost if not already ordered.

Test Code

CANA

CPT Codes
87075

Preferred Specimen

SPECIMEN

Transport Container

E-SWAB

Transport Temperature

RT-48 HRS

Setup Schedule

Set Up:
Report Available:

Reference Range

CULTURE, ANAEROBIC

Clinical Significance

An anaerobic bacteria culture is a method used to grow anaerobes from a clinical specimen. Obligate anaerobes grow only in the absence of oxygen.They are destroyed when exposed to the atmosphere for as briefly as 10 minutes.Obtain the sample for culture via aseptic technique using e-swab. Anaerobes are commonly found on mucous membranes and other sites such as the vagina and oral cavity. Therefore, specimens likely to be contaminated with these organisms should not be submitted for culture (e.g., a throat or vaginal swab). Some of the specimens that are not suitable for anaerobic cultures include: 1. Specimens from sites in which anaerobic bacteria are normal flora (e.g., throat, rectal swabs, urine, bronchial washes, cervico-vaginal mucosal swabs, sputum). 2. Voided and catheterized urine. 3. Gastric contents, small bowel contents, feces, colocutaneous fistula and colostomy contents should not be cultured for anaerobic bacteria.

Performing Laboratory
LMH - Microbiology x3758 or 3759

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.