Bacteriabldaerobecultorg2
A blood culture test detects bacteria in your blood to diagnose infections.
{"A blood culture test checks if bacteria are growing in your blood","It helps doctors diagnose serious infections like sepsis","The test uses a sample of blood placed in special containers to grow bacteria","Results usually take 2-5 days","Positive results help doctors choose the right antibiotics"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17929-1
- Short code
- BCID2
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Bld Aerobe Cult org #2
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Aerobic blood culture bottle (e.g., BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F, BacT/ALERT FA Plus); sterile collection via butterfly needle or syringe
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- aerobic-culture
- CPT
- 87040
- SNOMED
- 104171000119100
- Specimen volume
- Adults: 8-10 mL per bottle (total 16-20 mL per set); Pediatric: 1-5 mL per bottle based on weight; recommended 2-3 sets from separate venipuncture sites
- Stability
- Room temperature: must be delivered to laboratory within 2 hours of collection; incubated continuously upon receipt; do not refrigerate
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
A blood culture test is a laboratory test that looks for bacteria or fungi in your blood. Your blood is normally sterile, meaning it should not contain any microorganisms. When bacteria are found in the blood, it indicates a condition called bacteremia, which can lead to serious infections throughout the body.
During the test, a healthcare provider draws blood from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood sample is then placed in special culture bottles that contain nutrients to help bacteria grow. These bottles are kept at body temperature and monitored over several days to see if any bacteria multiply.
If bacteria grow in the culture, the laboratory will identify the specific type of bacteria and test which antibiotics will be most effective in treating the infection. This process is called susceptibility testing or antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Reference range
No growth of aerobic bacteria (negative). Identification reported as second isolated organism when polymicrobial bacteremia is present; typically reported with genus and species name.N/A
Strict aseptic skin antisepsis required (e.g., chlorhexidine or 70% isopropyl alcohol). Disinfect blood culture bottle tops before inoculation. Collect prior to antibiotic administration when possible. Avoid drawing through indwelling catheters unless specifically indicated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my blood culture is negative?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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