Anaerobic Culture

Useful For

An anaerobic culture’s purpose is to give guidance on the recovery and treatment of common anaerobic microorganisms encountered in the microbiology laboratory.

These organisms can present alone or in a mixed infection. They can be both somewhat difficult to recover and successfully treat with antibiotics. Some anaerobes are part of the normal commensal flora. Interpretation should be made by the provider between the normal and pathogenic organisms.

Anaerobes need to be collected and transported under anaerobic conditions. They should remain under anaerobic conditions until they are plated to media and placed in an environment (jar or bag) containing the proper anaerobic atmosphere.

• The anaerobic organisms may be reported to either the genus level or species level based upon the source. Deep wounds and surgically collected wounds along with deep tissues or aspirates represent the most clinically relevant sources for anaerobic recovery and identification. Other sources may include medical implants, urine (anaerobically collected) or sterile fluids.
• Anaerobic culture is NOT appropriate for sites with indigenous anaerobic flora.
• Anaerobic cultures will NOT be performed on the following sites: Stools, Throats, Vaginal Cultures, Sputum, Bronchial Washings, Placenta Delivered Vaginally, Normal CVS Urines
• Cutaneous sites are also inappropriate for anaerobic culture.

Method Name

Culture

Aliases

Anaerobic, Anaerobe