A blood culture is a medical laboratory test used to detect bacteria or fungi in a person’s blood. Under normal conditions, the blood does not contain microorganisms: their presence can indicate a bloodstream infection such as bacteremia or fungemia, which in severe cases may result in sepsis.

SPECIMEN: Collect 8-10 mL blood aseptically in special aerobic bottle. Mix by gentle swirling. Ship at room temperature. For children less than 12 yrs collect 2 mL blood in special paediatric bottle.

STABILITY: Room: 2 hrs; Refrigerated: NA; Frozen: NA

REPORT: After 2 days

PRE-TEST INFORMATION: No special preparation required.

USAGE: Blood culture test is used to improve patient compliance of simultaneously testing for all agents (bacterial, anaerobic bacterial & fungus) responsible for septicaemia in single setting and improve the sensitivity of test by 3 fold.