Enterobacter Species Detection by Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (Blood Culture)
This test checks for the presence of *Enterobacter* bacteria in your blood and determines how your body might respond to antibiotics.
["Blood cultures help identify infections caused by bacteria like *Enterobacter* and guide treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105764-5
- Short code
- Enterobacter spp DNA Ct Bld +Qn NAA+prb
- Synonyms
- Enterobacter spp DNA Ct Bld +Qn NAA+prb
- 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-amp-tar
- 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 doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections, especially if you’ve recently had surgery, received medical devices (like catheters), or have a weakened immune system. Blood cultures are also used to confirm infections in people with recurring fevers or signs of sepsis (a severe, life-threatening response to infection).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have two or more tubes inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to a regular blood draw. The process is quick and usually painless. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Test Involves
Blood samples are sent to a lab where they’re placed in special containers to grow bacterial cultures over 24–48 hours. If *Enterobacter* bacteria are present, they’ll grow in the culture medium. Antibiotics are then tested to see which ones work best against the identified bacteria.
What the Results Mean
Positive results indicate the presence of *Enterobacter* bacteria in your blood, which can cause infections. Negative results mean no bacteria were found in the samples drawn at that time. Results help doctors choose the right antibiotics to treat your infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Blood Culture for Enterobacter
Frequently asked questions
Early detection of blood infections is critical to prevent complications like organ damage, sepsis, or prolonged hospital stays. *Enterobacter* infections can be harder to treat than some other bacteria due to their antibiotic resistance patterns, so accurate identification helps tailor treatment effectively.
If you develop new symptoms like worsening fever, shaking chills, or confusion after the test, seek medical attention immediately, as this could indicate a worsening infection.
Blood cultures are not typically done for routine check-ups or to screen for general health. They’re reserved for people with suspected infections.
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