Bacteria Culture and Sensitivity from Blood (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of bacteria in your blood and determines how your body might respond to treatment if infection is found.
["Identifies potential blood infections and guides antibiotic choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105782-7
- Short code
- blaIMP
- Synonyms
- Bact B lct bl ps Q N+Pr
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Sterile blood culture bottles (aerobic and anaerobic)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 446345004
- Specimen volume
- 8-10 mL per blood culture bottle (adult); 1-3 mL (pediatric)
- Stability
- Blood culture bottles: stable at room temperature for up to 5 days after positivity detection; aliquots of positive culture should be processed within 24 hours at 2-8°C
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 2–8 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Blood Culture Testing?
Blood culture tests are used to detect and identify bacteria or fungi in your bloodstream, which can indicate serious infections like sepsis. This test involves drawing blood and placing it in special containers that support bacterial growth. If bacteria are present, they will multiply over time, allowing healthcare providers to identify the type of microorganism and determine the most effective treatment.
How Is the Test Performed?
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein in your arm or hand to collect a small amount of blood. The blood sample is then divided into containers that promote bacterial growth. These containers are incubated in a lab setting for several days to check for signs of infection. Results are typically available within 3–5 days, depending on the growth and sensitivity testing.
Why Might You Need This Test?
You may need a blood culture if you have symptoms like fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or unexplained pain, which could signal a blood infection. Doctors also order this test for patients with weakened immune systems, recent surgeries, or underlying health conditions that increase infection risk.
What Are Common Findings?
If bacteria are found, the test may also show how your body’s immune system reacts to them. This helps doctors choose the right antibiotics. If no bacteria grow, it means your blood was clear of infection at the time of testing.
Reference range
Cycle threshold (Ct) values are reported for detection of blaIMP gene. Negative results typically show no Ct value or Ct > 38. Positive results indicate presence of blaIMP metallo-beta-lactamase gene.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Blood Culture with Sensitivity Testing
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from a blood culture?
Can blood cultures detect viruses or other infections?
What should I do if I feel sick after the blood draw?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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