Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacterial blood culture (aerobic and anaerobic)
This test checks for the presence of bacteria from the *Mycobacterium* genus, including *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* (the cause of tuberculosis), in your blood. It involves growing samples of your blood in special media to detect any bacterial growth over time.
["Helps identify infections that may require targeted antibiotics or further testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97758-7
- Short code
- Fung+Mycobact sp Bld Cult
- Synonyms
- Fung+Mycobact sp Bld Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- 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, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue—especially if you’ve been exposed to tuberculosis or have a weakened immune system. It’s also used in people with chronic illnesses (like HIV) or those who’ve recently traveled to areas with higher tuberculosis rates.
How the Test Works
A small sample of your blood is drawn and placed in sterile containers with nutrient media. These containers are incubated in special conditions to allow any mycobacteria to grow over several days to weeks. If bacteria are present, they’ll multiply and can be identified later through additional testing.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider if you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a history of bleeding disorders. Avoid alcohol before the draw if your provider advises it.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll have a needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm), and blood will be drawn into a syringe or collection tube. It may feel like a small pinch, but it shouldn’t cause significant discomfort. The process takes about 5 minutes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate an active mycobacterial infection, which may require treatment with antibiotics (often a combination) to kill the bacteria. Negative results mean no detectable mycobacteria were found in your blood sample at the time of testing, but infections can sometimes be missed if the sample isn’t taken early or if the bacteria are present in low numbers. Follow-up testing or cultures may be needed if symptoms persist.
Short name
Mycobacterial Blood Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if I have a negative result but still feel sick?
Can I take antibiotics before the 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