What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing a wound, abscess, or infection that isn't healing and you suspect bacteria that thrive without oxygen might be the cause. Anaerobic infections often show up as deep wounds, dental infections, or abdominal infections with a foul odor or slow healing. This culture helps identify the specific bacteria so you know what you're dealing with.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each value explained so you understand what's normal and what isn't. If bacteria are found, the report will describe the type identified, which can guide next steps like starting an appropriate treatment or retesting after treatment to confirm the infection has cleared. You can download the standard lab report anytime, and if you need to monitor an ongoing infection, the trends feature lets you track results over multiple tests. If your symptoms are severe, such as fever, spreading redness, or intense pain, seek medical care right away rather than waiting for results.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that you might need this test include a wound or sore that smells bad, drains pus, or isn't healing properly, along with swelling, redness, or pain around an infected area. Deep infections such as abscesses, bite wounds, or infections following surgery are common reasons people order this test. If you have persistent pain in your abdomen, gums, or lungs along with signs of infection, this test can help pinpoint the cause.

How can I naturally support healing from a bacterial infection?

While natural remedies can't replace treating an active bacterial infection, keeping wounds clean and dry, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and staying well hydrated can support your body's healing process. Getting enough sleep and reducing stress also helps your immune system function better. That said, anaerobic infections often need direct treatment, so use these steps as support rather than a substitute for addressing the infection itself.

When will I get my results?

Results for this culture typically take about 7 days, since anaerobic bacteria grow more slowly than many other organisms and need extra time in the lab to be properly identified. This waiting period allows the lab to confirm whether bacteria are present and determine exactly what type they are. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready in your account.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone with a non-healing wound, deep abscess, or infection with a foul smell should consider this test, especially if it developed after surgery, a bite, or trauma. People with chronic sinus, dental, or abdominal infections that haven't responded to typical treatment may also benefit. It's a useful next step when an infection seems more complicated than a typical surface-level bacterial issue.

What is an anaerobic bacterial infection and why does it matter?

Anaerobic bacteria are germs that grow in places with little or no oxygen, like deep wounds, abscesses, or the inside of the abdomen. These infections matter because they can be more difficult to detect and treat than common infections, and they sometimes cause serious tissue damage if left unaddressed. Identifying the exact bacteria helps ensure the right approach is used to clear the infection.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means anaerobic bacteria were found growing in your sample, confirming that these germs are contributing to your infection. The report will typically identify the specific type of bacteria detected, which is useful for understanding how serious the infection may be. This information helps guide the next steps in addressing the infection appropriately.

What causes anaerobic bacterial infections?

These infections often develop in areas of the body where oxygen has trouble reaching, such as deep puncture wounds, surgical sites, abscesses, or damaged tissue. They can also occur internally, like in the abdomen or lungs, following injury, surgery, or aspiration. Poor blood flow to an area, chronic wounds, and weakened immunity can all increase the risk.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If bacteria are detected, review the report details on the type identified and how it may relate to your symptoms. Keep any wounds clean, monitor for worsening symptoms like increased swelling, redness, fever, or spreading pain, and seek medical care promptly if these occur. Retesting after treatment can confirm whether the infection has cleared.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Anaerobic Bacteria Culture - Infection Detection Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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