Your Laboratory Test: What It Is, Why It Matters, and What to Expect During the Procedure
A molecular test that detects Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria DNA in blood samples when a blood culture has tested positive.
{"This test confirms Acinetobacter baumannii infection in patients with positive blood cultures","Results help doctors choose the right antibiotic treatment","Acinetobacter baumannii is often drug-resistant, making accurate identification critical","The test uses nucleic acid amplification (NAA) technology for rapid, accurate detection","Early detection helps prevent serious complications from bloodstream infections"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 93406-7
- Short code
- AB-DNA
- Synonyms
- A baumannii DNA Bld Pos Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Positive blood culture bottle content (aerobic/anaerobic)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87625
- SNOMED
- 122442007
- Specimen volume
- N/A - Tested from positive blood culture broth, not direct patient sample
- Stability
- Test promptly from positive blood culture. If delay, store at 2-8°C for up to 72 hours or freeze at -70°C for longer storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–8 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test? This is a laboratory test that measures specific substances or markers in your body, helping your healthcare provider evaluate how well your organs and systems are functioning.
The Acinetobacter baumannii DNA test is a molecular diagnostic test that detects the genetic material (DNA) of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria in blood samples. This test is performed when a blood culture has already shown signs of bacterial growth. It uses a technique called Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) with probe detection, which can quickly and accurately identify whether the bacteria causing the infection is Acinetobacter baumannii.
Why is this test important? This test helps your doctor detect medical conditions early, confirm or rule out a diagnosis, and monitor how well a treatment is working, which allows for timely decisions about your care.
Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in hospitalized patients, those in intensive care units, and people with weakened immune systems. It is known for being multidrug-resistant, meaning it can survive treatment with many common antibiotics. This test helps doctors quickly identify this specific bacteria so they can prescribe the most effective treatment. Fast and accurate identification is crucial because Acinetobacter baumannii infections can lead to severe complications like sepsis (blood poisoning) if not treated promptly.
How is the test performed? A trained healthcare professional will collect a small sample, usually a blood or urine sample, in a clinic or laboratory, and the sample is then analyzed with results sent to your provider.
The test is performed on a blood sample that has already been identified as positive for bacterial growth in a blood culture. The laboratory uses specialized equipment to extract and amplify the bacterial DNA, then uses probe technology to specifically identify Acinetobacter baumannii. This method is highly specific and can provide results faster than traditional culture methods alone.
Reference range
Not Detected - No Acinetobacter baumannii DNA detected in the specimenN/A
No patient preparation required. This test is performed on content from a previously collected positive blood culture bottle. Collection instructions apply to the original blood culture draw, not this confirmatory test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is clinically significant because Acinetobacter baumannii is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in intensive care units. It can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. The bacteria's ability to resist multiple antibiotics makes it particularly dangerous. Early and accurate identification through this test enables healthcare providers to implement appropriate infection control measures and select effective antimicrobial therapy, which can significantly improve patient outcomes and help prevent the spread of this resistant organism in healthcare settings.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs this test?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Is this test painful?
Can family members get this infection?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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