Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
About Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Anaerobic Culture and Sensitivity (VITEK) Test, Anaerobic C/S Test, Anaerobic Bacterial Culture with AST, VITEK 2 ANC Test |
| Sample Type | Varies by infection site — pus, aspirate, tissue, body fluid, or wound swab, and many others |
| Fasting Required | No |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders when anaerobic infection is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹750 |
What is a Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test?
The culture and sensitivity, anaerobic- VITEK test identifies bacteria that grow only in oxygen-free environments and determines which antibiotics can treat them effectively. It is ordered when a doctor suspects an infection caused by anaerobic bacteria, such as a deep abscess, wound infection, or internal organ infection. The sample collected depends on the site of infection and may include pus, body fluid, tissue, or a swab. This test is also known as the anaerobic culture and sensitivity (VITEK) test, anaerobic C/S test, anaerobic bacterial culture with AST, or VITEK 2 ANC test.
What Does a Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Measure?
This test has two main goals: identifying the bacteria present and finding out which antibiotics can stop them. The VITEK 2 automated system processes results quickly and accurately. Here is what the test analyses:
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Bacterial Identification | Detects and names the specific anaerobic bacteria in the sample using the VITEK 2 ANC card |
| Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) | Reports which antibiotics are effective (Sensitive), borderline (Intermediate), or ineffective (Resistant) |
| Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) | Measures the lowest antibiotic concentration that stops bacterial growth |
Why is a Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Done?
Anaerobic infections often develop in deep tissues, internal organs, or poorly oxygenated wounds. This test helps doctors confirm the infection and choose the right antibiotic.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may request this test if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Foul-smelling or pus-filled discharge from a wound or body site
- Swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness in an affected area
- A feeling of fluid collection (fluctuance) under the skin or in tissue
- Fever, chills, or rigors (shaking)
- Signs of tissue death such as darkening or breakdown of skin
- Induration (firm, hardened tissue) around an infected site
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
A positive result may point to a range of conditions. These include:
- Abdominal or pelvic abscesses
- Lung abscesses, aspiration pneumonia, or empyema (pus in the chest cavity)
- Brain abscesses or sinusitis
- Endometritis (infection of the uterine lining) or pelvic inflammatory disease
- Gas gangrene and other serious soft tissue infections
- Periodontitis (deep gum infection)
- Clostridial infections including botulism and pseudomembranous colitis (severe bowel inflammation)
- Gastrointestinal conditions such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, or bowel perforation
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test correctly is important, as sample quality directly affects the accuracy of results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before sample collection. Always follow specific instructions provided by your doctor or laboratory at the time of booking.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Follow these steps to help ensure the sample is useful for testing:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, especially antibiotics
- Ideally, the sample should be collected before you begin any antibiotic treatment
- The sample must reach the laboratory within two hours of collection for the best results
- Do not attempt to clean or drain the wound or abscess before sample collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
The collection method depends on the site of infection. Here is what you can expect during sample collection for the culture and sensitivity, anaerobic- VITEK test procedure:
- The doctor or trained collector cleans the skin or mucosal surface over the infection site with an antiseptic solution.
- For closed infections (such as abscesses), pus or fluid is drawn out using a sterile needle and syringe through intact skin.
- For open lesions, a sterile catheter is used for deep aspiration, or scrapings are taken from the base of the wound.
- The collected sample is immediately placed into anaerobic transport media, which protects oxygen-sensitive bacteria from dying during transit.
- The sealed sample is sent to the laboratory promptly and kept refrigerated during transport.
- In the laboratory, the sample is cultured in an oxygen-free environment. The VITEK 2 system then performs automated bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can reduce the reliability of results. Be aware of the following:
- Taking antibiotics before sample collection can suppress bacterial growth and produce a false-negative result
- Exposure of the sample to oxygen, even briefly, can kill anaerobic bacteria
- Delays in transporting the sample to the laboratory
- Contamination of the sample with normal bacteria from surrounding skin or tissue
- Improper collection technique or use of standard (non-anaerobic) transport media
Understanding Your Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Results
Results from this test are typically reviewed by your doctor alongside your clinical history and physical examination findings. The table below shows how results are generally interpreted:
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No Growth | No anaerobic bacteria were detected; the result is negative |
| Growth Detected | Anaerobic bacteria were found; further identification and sensitivity testing follows |
| Susceptible (S) | The antibiotic is likely to be effective against the identified anaerobic bacteria at a standard dose |
| Intermediate (I) | The antibiotic may be effective against the identified anaerobic bacteria at a higher dose or more frequent schedule |
| Resistant (R) | The antibiotic is unlikely to work against the identified anaerobic bacteria |
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 circumstances can affect how results are interpreted:
Anaerobic bacteria can produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that breaks down certain antibiotics. Because of this, susceptibility testing results are particularly important for guiding treatment, as common antibiotics may not always be effective.
Patients who are immunocompromised may face a higher risk of anaerobic infections, and results in these individuals should be interpreted with extra caution.
In some cases, more than one type of bacteria is present at the same time, a situation called polymicrobial infection, which can make treatment more complex.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These general tips may help reduce the risk of anaerobic infections:
- Maintain good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and dental check-ups, to prevent gum and dental infections
- Clean and cover all wounds promptly and seek medical attention for deep cuts, animal bites, or human bites
- Follow your doctor's guidance on post-surgical wound care to prevent complications after procedures
Lupin Diagnostics Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Price and Home Collection
The culture and sensitivity, anaerobic- VITEK test cost starts at ₹750 and is available at Lupin Diagnostics, with home sample collection available across cities. The following table shows indicative prices across cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 750 |
| CHENNAI | 1290 |
| HYDERABAD | 750 |
| KOLKATA | 750 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 750 |
| PUNE | 750 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for culture and sensitivity, anaerobic- VITEK test online booking:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers culture and sensitivity, anaerobic- VITEK test home collection across cities for eligible sample types such as urine, wound swabs, and sputum. A trained phlebotomist will collect your sample using appropriate anaerobic transport media and ensure it is dispatched to the laboratory promptly. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is accessible once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
The anaerobic- VITEK test specifically identifies bacteria that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, which regular aerobic culture tests will not detect. It uses the VITEK 2 ANC card with 36 enzymatic tests to identify bacteria accurately, alongside antibiotic susceptibility testing. This makes it the appropriate choice when a doctor suspects an infection caused by oxygen-intolerant organisms.
Reports are typically ready within 3 days at Lupin Diagnostics. The test results are shared directly via email or WhatsApp.
A wide range of samples are accepted, including pus, aspirate fluid, tissue, body fluids such as pleural or synovial fluid, swabs, sputum, urine, stool, semen, and many other clinical specimens. Your doctor will decide which sample type is appropriate based on your symptoms and the suspected site of infection.
Yes, it is strongly advisable. Antibiotics taken before sample collection can suppress bacterial growth in the culture and lead to a false-negative result. If you have already started antibiotics, inform your doctor before the test.
A positive result means anaerobic bacteria were identified in your sample. The report will also include susceptibility data showing which antibiotics are effective against the specific bacteria found. Your doctor will use this information to guide your treatment.
This test is used to diagnose a range of serious infections, including abdominal and pelvic abscesses, lung abscesses, brain abscesses, gas gangrene, periodontitis, empyema, endometritis, and clostridial infections such as botulism. It is ordered whenever a clinician suspects that oxygen-free bacteria are the source of a patient's infection.
Culture and Sensitivity, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
