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Serratia spp. (Bacterial Culture and Antibiotic Susceptibility Test) from Whole Blood

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test checks for the presence of *Serratia* bacteria in your blood and determines how your body responds to antibiotics. It helps doctors identify infections and guide treatment.

Quick summary

["A blood culture helps diagnose serious infections and ensures the right antibiotics are used to treat them."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105769-4
Short code
Serratia spp DNA Ct Bld Pos Qn NAA+probe
Synonyms
Serratia spp DNA Ct Bld Pos Qn 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

Why This Test Is Done

You may need this test if you have symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained infections, especially if you’ve recently had surgery, a medical procedure, or a weakened immune system. Doctors also use it to monitor people with chronic conditions like cancer or kidney disease that increase infection risk.

What to Expect During the Test

A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm. The blood is placed in special containers to grow bacteria, which are then tested for sensitivity to antibiotics. Results take days to weeks, depending on growth and testing methods.

How the Results Are Used

Positive results confirm a bacterial infection caused by *Serratia*. The antibiotic sensitivity report helps your doctor choose the most effective treatment to fight the infection.

Common Causes of Positive Results

*Serratia* bacteria are often found in hospitals or community settings and can cause infections in wounds, urinary tracts, or blood. Risk factors include recent hospital stays, catheters, or immune system issues.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Understanding Your Results

Short name

Blood Culture with Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing

Frequently asked questions

Will my blood culture show *Serratia* bacteria?
Yes, if you have an active infection caused by *Serratia*, the test will likely detect it. However, false negatives can happen if the bacteria aren’t present in the sample at the time of testing. Always discuss results with your doctor.
What does antibiotic sensitivity mean?
Antibiotic sensitivity tells which antibiotics are most effective against the bacteria. Your doctor will use this information to pick the best treatment plan, avoiding unnecessary strong drugs if a milder one works.
How long does it take to get results?
Results typically take 3–7 days for initial growth confirmation, followed by 1–3 days for antibiotic sensitivity testing. Delays can occur if the bacteria grow slowly or additional testing is needed.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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