The test that detects bacteria living in your bloodstream.
When you have a fever or signs of severe infection, we need to know if bacteria have entered your blood. This condition is called bacteremia. If left untreated, bacteria can spread to other organs and cause life-threatening complications. A blood culture is the standard diagnostic tool to identify exactly which germs are circulating in your system.
We collect blood from two different spots on your body using sterile techniques. We place these samples into specialized glass bottles containing a growth medium, which is a nutrient-rich broth. These bottles are then kept in a warm incubator inside the lab. This process encourages any bacteria present in your blood to multiply so they can be identified.
Once the bacteria have grown enough, the lab team performs a gram stain to see the shape and type of the germs. After that, they test the sample against various medications to see which ones effectively kill the infection. This process, known as antibiotic susceptibility testing, ensures we choose the correct drug to treat your specific infection.
Results from blood cultures are not immediate because bacteria take time to grow. You may start on broad-spectrum antibiotics while we wait for the final report. Once the lab confirms the specific identity of the bacteria, we will adjust your medication to a more targeted treatment. This approach avoids using unnecessary drugs while ensuring your infection is cleared properly.