Blood culture

A test designed to detect if microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi are present in blood.

A sample of blood obtained using sterile technique is placed in a culture media and incubated in a controlled environment for 1 to 7 days.

If microorganisms grow, they can be identified as to type and tested against different antibiotics for proper treatment of the infection.

Because microorganisms may only be intermittently present in blood, a series of 3 blood cultures is usually done before the result is considered negative.