Test Description

Why get tested?

Blood culture is used for identifying blood infections and their reasons. These infections are mainly caused by fungi, viruses, yeasts, or bacteria. So, the purpose of blood culture is to find harmful microorganisms in the blood. Generally, a blood culture is carried out before starting antimicrobial therapy, or soon after a fever. The purpose of antimicrobial therapy is to kill harmful microorganisms, such as protozoans, fungi, or bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to identify the agent that causes the infection to get a relevant antimicrobial therapy.

It is frequently prescribed to patients having leukocytosis, chills, septic shock, or fever. The patients who suspect endocarditis are also prescribed a blood culture test. 

What is being tested?

A blood culture test uses multiple samples of blood from several veins. This increases the possibility of identifying a fungus or bacteria, present in a small number too. Moreover, the blood culture test helps to detect bacteria that get into the blood intermittently. It may take time to grow certain microorganisms in the nutrient media for the blood culture test, before identifying and detecting them.

Preparation needed?

No, but tell the doctor about the medicines you take as certain drugs can affect the results of the blood culture test.

Fasting required?

No