Collection and transport of specimens for anaerobic culture

Abstract

By comparative studies of sampling methods it was shown that specimens should be obtained preferably by aspiration in order to avoid contamination by anaerobic flora. Anaerobic transport systems are recommended, though some anaerobic strains tolerate exposure to air surprisingly well. A gassed-out tube or vial is the method of choice for transporting fluid specimens for anaerobic culture.

Antisperm antibodies and microorganisms in genital secretions-a clinically significant relationship?

“…However, the general prevalence of seminal anaerobes was relatively low in these studies. It is well known that the prevalence of anaerobic bacteria is considerably influenced by transport and culture conditions (Hallander et al, 1980;Yourassowsky, 1980). A four-fold higher presence of potentially pathogenic anaerobic bacteria in semen samples was found when a special screening in ejaculates of asymptomatic men was performed which focused on anaerobes with inoculation of several different differential media and rapid individual transport under strictly anaerobic conditions, compared to the prevalence of these bacteria detected with routine methods, as described previously (Eggert-Kruse et al, 1995c).…”