Your Medical Test: What You Need to Know Before, During, and After the Procedure
A molecular test that detects and measures Acinetobacter baumannii complex bacteria DNA in blood samples using advanced nucleic acid amplification technology.
{"Detects dangerous drug-resistant Acinetobacter bacteria in blood cultures","Uses advanced DNA technology to provide rapid and accurate results","Helps doctors determine the amount of bacteria present for treatment decisions","Results are given as a Cycle Threshold (Ct) value - lower numbers mean more bacteria","Critical for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy in serious infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105773-6
- Short code
- ACB-CT
- Synonyms
- ACB cplx DNA Ct Bld Pos Qn NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Blood culture bottle (aerobic/anaerobic) - content from positive bottle
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 35
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87625
- SNOMED
- 122442004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL from positive blood culture bottle
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if processing delayed; stability up to 72 hours. Freeze at -20°C or below for long-term storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 2–6 hours
- Order
- routine
This test is a medical evaluation that helps your healthcare provider gather important information about your health. It may be ordered during a routine checkup or when you have symptoms that need a closer look, and the results help guide your care.
This test looks for DNA (genetic material) from the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex (ACB complex) in blood that has already tested positive for bacterial growth. The ACB complex is a group of bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in hospitalized patients, and is known for being resistant to many antibiotics.
During this test, a sample or measurement is collected and analyzed using standard laboratory or clinical methods. Your healthcare team follows careful, established procedures at every step to make sure the results are accurate, reliable, and useful for your care.
The test uses a method called Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) with probe detection. When a blood culture tests positive for bacteria, this test specifically identifies whether the bacteria belong to the Acinetobacter baumannii complex. It also provides a Cycle Threshold (Ct) value, which indicates how much of the bacterial DNA is present - a lower Ct value means more bacteria are in the sample.
This test is important because it gives your doctor valuable information that can help detect a health condition early, guide treatment decisions, and monitor how well a current treatment plan is working for you over time.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in intensive care units. It can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. This bacterium is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making accurate and rapid identification crucial for effective treatment.
During the test, a trained member of your care team will explain each step before it happens. The procedure is usually quick and comfortable, and you can ask questions at any point. Afterward, your provider will review the results with you and discuss any next steps.
This test is performed on blood that has already been flagged as positive by a bacterial culture. No additional blood draw is needed. The laboratory analyzes the sample using specialized equipment to detect and measure the bacterial DNA.
Reference range
Not Detected - Cycle Threshold (Ct) value >35 indicates negative result; Ct value <35 indicates positive result for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex DNAN/A
No patient preparation required. This test is performed on content from a previously collected positive blood culture bottle. Collect blood cultures per standard hospital protocol using aseptic technique.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant because it rapidly identifies Acinetobacter baumannii complex infections, which are often multidrug-resistant. The Ct value helps clinicians understand the severity of infection and monitor response to treatment. Early identification allows for appropriate antibiotic selection, which is critical given the high rates of antibiotic resistance in this bacterium. This test is particularly important for patients in ICU, those with weakened immune systems, and those with recent surgical procedures or medical devices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
What does the Cycle Threshold (Ct) value mean?
Is this test painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2LOINC Code ReferenceSource
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy