Anaerobic bacteria can live and grow without oxygen and some may even die when exposed to oxygen. First, a band is tied around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins below. The puncture site is cleaned. A needle is then inserted into a vein.
Blood is collected and placed into a vial.
The vial contains special food to allow the bacteria to grow. The needle is removed from the person's arm and the vial is sent to the lab. A bandage is put on the puncture site to stop any bleeding. In the lab, the vial is watched to see if bacteria grow. It takes from 24 to 72 hours or longer for aerobic bacteria to grow.