Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Specific Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (Plasma)
This test checks for the presence of bacteria in your blood and determines which antibiotics might work best to treat an infection.
["Helps identify and guide treatment for bloodstream infections caused by bacteria."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88250-6
- Short code
- CTXM
- Synonyms
- blaCTX-M Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or appropriate culture transport medium
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 122450008
- Specimen volume
- 1-5 mL of specimen or pure bacterial isolate on appropriate transport medium
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-70°C): 7 days for purified nucleic acid extracts
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test involves drawing blood to detect bacteria and their response to various antibiotics. It helps healthcare providers choose the most effective treatment by identifying which bacteria grow and which antibiotics inhibit their growth.
Why It’s Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of a serious bacterial infection, such as fever, chills, or signs of sepsis, or if you’re at higher risk for infections (e.g., from a weakened immune system or recent surgery).
How It Works
Blood is collected and cultured in a lab. Antibiotics are then tested against the bacteria to see which ones stop their growth. This process helps determine the best antibiotic to treat your infection.
Preparation
No special preparation is needed, but inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, as some may affect test results or infection risk.
Reference range
Negative (blaCTX-M gene not detected)N/A
No special 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
Bacteria in Blood Culture Susceptibility
Frequently asked questions
Your results will show which bacteria are present and their susceptibility to antibiotics, helping your doctor tailor treatment to effectively fight the infection and avoid unnecessary side effects from broad-spectrum antibiotics.
How long will it take to get results?
Can I take antibiotics before getting this test?
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