Florida Bureau of Public Health laboratories

Aerobic bacteria culture 

The aerobic culture test is for cultures in which an identification cannot be performed or is unknown. Identification will be performed by MALDI-TOF, phenotypic methods, and whole genome sequencing if approved.

Analyte(s)

Aerobic bacteria

Test Code

2600

Testing Location

Jacksonville Laboratory
Miami Laboratory
Tampa Laboratory

Testing Department

Microbiology

Pre-approval Required?

No

Required Forms

BPHL Test Requisition, DH1847
(not needed if orders are placed by electronic order)

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Minimum Volume

Swab in 1 mL of media

Turn Around time

7-28 days after receipt at the laboratory

Supply Ordering

Supplies may be requested from your servicing laboratory. Supplies ordered from the BPHL should only be used for specimen sent to the BPHL for testing.

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Collection Media

Sterile transport system. Swab or material in a sterile transport system

Specimen Sources

Any clinical specimen swab except anaerobe, stool, or throat swabs.

Specimen Labeling

Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers, e.g., name and DOB.

Information on the specimen must match the requisition and/or test order. 

Special SPecimen Preparation

None.

Storage Conditions

Store specimens at 15 – 30o C until time of shipment. Specimens must arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of collection.

Packaging and Shipping

Specimens should be shipped at 15 – 30o C to arrive at the laboratory within 4 days of collection on appropriate transport medium.

Include paperwork with specimens but separate them physically by placing the paperwork in the outer pocket of the biohazard bag.

unsatisfactory specimen

1) Specimens received greater than 4 days after collection
2) No patient identification on specimen tube
3) Patient identifiers on the specimen do not match the requisition or test order
4) Specimen damaged or leaked in transit

Interferences and Limitations

Non-viable, mixed cultures may not yield reportable results

Reference Range

Negative: No pathogen detected

Result Indicator

Positive: Identification of the pathogens

Negative: No pathogen detected

Reference lab

CDC

Reflex testing

Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)