Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity for Enterobacteriaceae (with Metronidazole Resistance Screening)
This test checks for bacteria in your blood, specifically from the Enterobacteriaceae family, and evaluates how they respond to the antibiotic metronidazole. It helps determine if an infection is present and guides treatment choices.
["This test helps identify infections caused by certain bacteria and assesses antibiotic effectiveness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75676-7
- Short code
- Deprecated Enterobact gyrB+metB Bld Pos Ql Prb Mag
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Enterobact gyrB+metB Bld Pos Ql Prb Mag
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-mag-capture
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. It’s also used when you’re receiving antibiotics and need to check if bacteria are resistant to them.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may receive an injection or IV to help your blood flow into the culture tubes. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, similar to other blood tests.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a needle into your vein to collect blood. The blood is placed in special containers to grow bacteria over time. Results take several days to a week as cultures develop.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of bacteria from the Enterobacteriaceae family. The sensitivity report shows which antibiotics (including metronidazole) are effective against these bacteria, helping your doctor choose the best treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: This test is critical for diagnosing bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae, such as *Escherichia coli* or *Klebsiella*. It helps determine antibiotic resistance patterns, ensuring targeted treatment to prevent complications like sepsis. Metronidazole resistance screening supports more accurate treatment planning.
Short name
Enterobacteriaceae Blood Culture with Metronidazole (Screen)
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to wait for results?
What does ‘metronidazole resistance’ mean in this test?
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