Aerobic Bacterial Culture, General

Isolate and identify potentially pathogenic aerobic organisms. Susceptibility test is performed at additional charge when organisms isolated meet microbiologic criteria for clinical significance.

The test request form must state specific site of specimen, age of patient, and time of collection. Inclusion of current antibiotic therapy and clinical diagnosis may aid the laboratory in evaluating the specimen and work-up of the culture. If an unusual organism is suspected, this information must be specifically noted on the test request form (eg, Nocardia) and may result in additional charges. For extended incubation, order Aerobic Culture, Extended Incubation [180803].

Specimens from other sources, such as genital, stool, urine, upper and lower respiratory specimens, cannot be cultured under the aerobic bacterial culture test number. If specimens are incorrectly submitted with an order for aerobic bacterial culture, the laboratory will process the specimen for the test based on the source listed on the test request form. The client will not be telephoned to approve this change, but the change will be indicated on the report.

Only rapid-growing, nonfastidious aerobic organisms can be recovered and identified by routine methods. Only organisms that predominate will be identified. Unless specifically requested by the physician, fastidious organisms may not be isolated. Anaerobic, fungal, and mycobacterial pathogens should be considered, and appropriate cultures requested if clinically indicated. The procedure will not detect Chlamydia, viruses, fungi, or mycobacteria.

Culture

Eye: The major modes of transmission of disease to the conjunctiva include the hands, airborne fomites, and spread for adjacent adnexal infections. Eye infections include eyelid infections, blepharitis, dacryocystitis, orbital cellulitis, conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis retinitis, and chorioretinitis. Pinkeye is caused by adenovirus. It presents as bilateral conjunctivitis with a sudden onset. Herpes simplex and zoster present as periorbital or corneal infections. Nontuberculous mycobacterial keratitis may occur following trauma or surgery accompanied by the use of local corticosteroids.¹

Wound: Susceptibility testing is usually performed. The majority of bacteria infecting surgical wounds are common airborne microörganisms.² Effective treatment of wound infection usually includes drainage, removal of foreign bodies, infected prosthetic devices, and retained foreign objects such as suture material. Suction irrigation may be helpful in resolving wound infections. Species commonly recovered from wounds include Escherichia coli, Proteus sp, Klebsiella sp, Pseudomonas sp, Enterobacter sp, enterococci, other streptococci, Bacteroides sp, Prevotella sp, Clostridium sp, Staphylococcus aureus, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.