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Acbcplxdnactbldposqnnaaprobe

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

A molecular test that detects and measures Acinetobacter baumannii complex bacteria DNA in blood samples using advanced nucleic acid amplification technology.

Quick summary

{"Detects dangerous drug-resistant Acinetobacter bacteria in blood cultures","Uses advanced DNA technology to provide rapid and accurate results","Helps doctors determine the amount of bacteria present for treatment decisions","Results are given as a Cycle Threshold (Ct) value - lower numbers mean more bacteria","Critical for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy in serious infections"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
105773-6
Short code
ACB-CT
Synonyms
ACB cplx DNA Ct Bld Pos Qn NAA+probe
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Blood culture bottle (aerobic/anaerobic) - content from positive bottle
Units
N/A
Ref low
35
Critical range
— – 20 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
probe-amp-tar
CPT
87625
SNOMED
122442004
Specimen volume
1-2 mL from positive blood culture bottle
Stability
Store at 2-8°C if processing delayed; stability up to 72 hours. Freeze at -20°C or below for long-term storage.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
2–6 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

This test looks for DNA (genetic material) from the Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex (ACB complex) in blood that has already tested positive for bacterial growth. The ACB complex is a group of bacteria that can cause serious infections, especially in hospitalized patients, and is known for being resistant to many antibiotics.

How does the test work?

The test uses a method called Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAA) with probe detection. When a blood culture tests positive for bacteria, this test specifically identifies whether the bacteria belong to the Acinetobacter baumannii complex. It also provides a Cycle Threshold (Ct) value, which indicates how much of the bacterial DNA is present - a lower Ct value means more bacteria are in the sample.

Why is this test important?

Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in intensive care units. It can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and wound infections. This bacterium is often resistant to multiple antibiotics, making accurate and rapid identification crucial for effective treatment.

What happens during the test?

This test is performed on blood that has already been flagged as positive by a bacterial culture. No additional blood draw is needed. The laboratory analyzes the sample using specialized equipment to detect and measure the bacterial DNA.

Reference range

Not Detected - Cycle Threshold (Ct) value >35 indicates negative result; Ct value <35 indicates positive result for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus-baumannii complex DNAN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No patient preparation required. This test is performed on content from a previously collected positive blood culture bottle. Collect blood cultures per standard hospital protocol using aseptic technique.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No. Since this test is performed on blood that has already tested positive from a culture, no additional preparation or fasting is required.
What does the Cycle Threshold (Ct) value mean?
The Ct value indicates how many amplification cycles were needed to detect the bacterial DNA. A lower Ct value means more bacterial DNA is present (higher bacterial load), while a higher Ct value means less bacterial DNA is present. This information helps doctors assess the severity of infection and track treatment effectiveness.
Is this test painful?
No additional pain is involved. The test is performed on blood that was already drawn for the initial blood culture, so no new needle stick is needed for this specific test.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 24-48 hours after a blood culture flags positive. This is much faster than traditional identification methods, which can take 2-4 days.
What happens if the test is positive?
A positive result confirms an Acinetobacter baumannii complex infection. Your healthcare team will use this information to select the most appropriate antibiotics, considering the local patterns of antibiotic resistance. Additional testing may be done to determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
  1. 1
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Acinetobacter in Healthcare SettingsSource
  2. 2
    LOINC Code ReferenceSource

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