Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test
About Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Culture Automated Bone Marrow Anaerobic VITEK, Bone Marrow Culture Anaerobic (Automated), C/S Anaerobic Bone Marrow, BM Culture Anaerobic VITEK |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate (collected in a blood culture bottle) |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all ages, both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What is a Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test?
The Culture Automated Bone Marrow, Anaerobic- VITEK Test is a specialised microbiology test that identifies anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without oxygen) in bone marrow samples. The VITEK system uses automated biochemical analysis to detect and identify microorganisms accurately.
Doctors order this test when a patient has an unexplained fever or a suspected deep-seated infection that standard blood tests have not identified. The sample is a bone marrow aspirate, collected in an anaerobic blood culture bottle.
What does a Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test Measure?
This test analyses bone marrow for microbial growth using the VITEK automated platform. The following aspects are evaluated:
| Component | What it Tells Your Doctor |
|---|---|
| Anaerobic bacterial detection | Identifies bacteria that survive and grow without oxygen |
| Automated microbial identification | Uses biochemical and metabolic tests to name the specific organism present |
| Antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) | Determines which antibiotics will effectively act against the identified organism |
| Culture result (growth or no growth) | Confirms whether an active bone marrow infection is present |
Why is a Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects a bone marrow infection or needs to identify the cause of an unexplained illness. It is particularly useful when routine tests have not provided a clear answer.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may prescribe this test:
- Prolonged fever with no clear cause
- Persistent fatigue and weakness
- Recurrent infections
- Bone pain
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pallor (pale skin)
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify a range of infections affecting the bone marrow. Conditions it may help detect include:
- Fever of unknown origin (FUO)
- Suspected infection in immunocompromised patients (such as those with HIV, leukaemia, or those undergoing chemotherapy)
- Tuberculosis affecting the bone marrow
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection
- Disseminated fungal infections (such as histoplasmosis)
- Typhoid fever, particularly when blood cultures are negative
- Brucellosis (an infection acquired from animals)
- Anaerobic bone infections caused by organisms such as Peptostreptococcus and Bacteroides species
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is required for this test, but there are a few practical steps that will help the procedure go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You may eat and drink as normal beforehand, and doing so is actually encouraged to help you feel steady during the procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
The following steps will help ensure a safe and accurate procedure:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical history, as this is required for the test.
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, especially blood-thinning medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, or heparin, as these may need to be paused temporarily.
- Tell the medical team about any known allergy to local anaesthetics (numbing medicines used during dental procedures).
- If possible, have the sample collected before starting any antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics in the system can affect results.
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow collection is performed by a trained healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic. Here is what to expect:
- You will be asked to lie on your side or your front. The sample is usually taken from the back of the hip bone or, occasionally, the breastbone.
- The skin over the site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk.
- A local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the area. You may feel a brief sting from this injection.
- A thin needle is passed through the skin into the bone, and the liquid portion of the bone marrow is drawn out by gentle suction. You may feel some pressure during this step.
- The collected bone marrow sample is placed into an anaerobic blood culture bottle, which maintains oxygen-free conditions to support the growth of anaerobic bacteria.
- The bottle is sent to the laboratory, where it is incubated and analysed using the VITEK automated system. The whole procedure typically takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of test results. These include:
- Prior antibiotic use, which can suppress bacterial growth and lead to a false-negative result
- Insufficient volume of bone marrow collected
- Incorrect handling or transport of the sample, particularly if anaerobic conditions are not maintained
- Poor blood supply or tissue damage at the collection site, which can influence microbial recovery
Understanding Your Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test Results
Results should always be reviewed by your doctor alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings. The table below provides a general overview of what results may indicate.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Culture Result | No growth (sterile) | No anaerobic infection detected in the bone marrow |
A negative result means no bacterial or fungal growth was found, indicating no active bone marrow infection.
A positive result means an organism was detected, and your doctor will use the identification and antibiotic susceptibility data to guide further management.
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
Antibiotic therapy: If you have received antibiotics before the test, bacterial growth may be suppressed, potentially leading to a false-negative result even when an infection is present.
Handling Anaerobic Bacteria: Anaerobic bacteria grow slowly and are fragile. If the sample isn't handled or transported carefully, the bacteria might die before they can be tested.
Testing Immunocompromised Patients: Patients with weakened immune systems might show very low levels of bacteria in their samples, even if they have an active infection. This can make it harder for doctors to get clear test results and make a final diagnosis.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While a bone marrow culture is ordered to detect existing infection rather than monitor ongoing health, general practices that support immune health are always beneficial:
- Practise good hygiene and safe food handling to reduce exposure to harmful bacteria.
- Follow your doctor's advice on vaccinations and preventive antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system.
- Seek prompt medical attention for any unexplained fever that persists for more than a few days.
Lupin Diagnostics Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test Price
The Culture Automated Bone Marrow, Anaerobic- VITEK Test cost starts at ₹1,200 at Lupin Diagnostics. As this test requires a bone marrow aspiration procedure, it must be performed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre by a trained healthcare professional. Home collection is not available for this test.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1200 |
| CHENNAI | 1200 |
| HYDERABAD | 1200 |
| KOLKATA | 1200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1200 |
| PUNE | 1200 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
The Culture Automated Bone Marrow, Anaerobic- VITEK Test online booking is straightforward:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is an automated microbiology test that detects anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that grow without oxygen) in a bone marrow sample. The VITEK system uses biochemical and metabolic analysis to identify the specific organism present and determine which antibiotics will work against it. The results help doctors diagnose bone marrow infections accurately.
Anaerobic bacteria cannot survive in oxygen. The anaerobic blood culture bottle maintains an oxygen-free environment, allowing these bacteria to grow and be detected. Without it, many clinically significant organisms would go undetected, leaving infections undiagnosed.
The area is numbed with a local anaesthetic before the needle is inserted, so most patients feel pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Some soreness at the collection site is normal for a day or two afterwards. You may take a simple pain reliever such as paracetamol to ease any post-procedure discomfort, but always follow your doctor's advice.
The standard incubation period is 5 days. Negative results are reported after this period. If bacteria are detected during incubation, a positive result is usually flagged and reported to your doctor sooner, allowing prompt action.
Whenever clinically possible, the sample should be collected before antibiotic treatment begins. Antibiotics in the system can suppress bacterial growth and lead to a false-negative result. However, never stop prescribed medication without consulting your doctor first.
This test is typically ordered for patients with prolonged fever of unknown origin, individuals with weakened immunity (such as those with HIV or blood cancers), and patients with suspected tuberculosis or other serious infections when standard blood cultures have come back negative. Your doctor will advise whether this test is appropriate for you.
No. This test requires a bone marrow aspiration, which is a clinical procedure that must be carried out by a trained professional in a controlled setting. It cannot be performed at home. Please book your test at the nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre through the Culture Automated Bone Marrow, Anaerobic- VITEK test online booking and scheduling.
Culture Automated Bone Marrow (Blood culture bottle), Anaerobic- VITEK Test
