Why the test is performed
To detect bacteria or fungi circulating in the bloodstream.
World time
Laboratory Testing Online / Microbiology
Blood Culture
To detect bacteria or fungi circulating in the bloodstream.Test profileMIBlood Culture
Test and specimen
What is being examined?
- Test
- Blood Culture
- Department
- Microbiology
- Typical sample or measurement
- Aseptic venous blood collected into aerobic/anaerobic culture bottles
Before the test
This is clinician-directed urgent testing. Correct skin antisepsis, volume and timing are critical; suspected sepsis requires immediate emergency care.
Clinical interpretation
Laboratory results should be interpreted by a qualified professional using the correct reference interval, method, symptoms, history and other findings. A normal or abnormal value rarely confirms or excludes a condition by itself.
What the test is used for
Urgent investigation of suspected sepsis, bloodstream infection, endocarditis or severe focal infection.
How the test is performed
Appropriate blood volume is collected aseptically, ideally before antimicrobials, and incubated in automated instruments. Positive bottles are identified and susceptibility tested.
Conditions and diseases considered
Used in suspected sepsis, bacteraemia, fungaemia and infective endocarditis. Contamination may produce misleading positives.
Recommended further tests
Repeat cultures, CBC/CRP, lactate, source-specific cultures, echocardiography or imaging depending on the emergency pathway.
Primary public reference
Continue with the official patient guide.
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