Bacterial Culture from Blood with Specific Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (Probe Method)
This test helps detect and identify bacteria in your blood and determine which antibiotics could effectively treat any infection found.
["Blood cultures help diagnose serious bloodstream infections (sepsis) and guide antibiotic treatment choices."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92789-7
- Short code
- GP Bld Culture Pnl Bld Pos NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- GP Bld Culture Pnl Bld Pos NAA+probe
- 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
What This Test Does
A small sample of your blood is collected and placed in special growth media to detect the presence of bacteria. If bacteria are found, the test continues to identify their type and check how they respond to various antibiotics.
How the Test Works
Your blood sample is processed to separate bacteria from other cells. The bacteria are then grown in controlled environments to confirm their presence and type. Special probes analyze antibiotic effectiveness against the identified bacteria.
When You Might Need This Test
Blood cultures are often ordered if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pain at an injection site, after surgery, or if you have a weakened immune system or chronic conditions like cancer or diabetes.
Common Symptoms That May Trigger This Test
Symptoms such as unexplained fever, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or persistent pain or swelling at an injection site may prompt a blood culture to check for infection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Blood cultures are critical for diagnosing bloodstream infections (sepsis), guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy, and preventing unnecessary antibiotic use. Accurate identification of bacteria ensures targeted treatment, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and improving recovery outcomes.
Short name
Blood Culture with Antibiogram
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
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