What does the Blood Cultures (Blood Culture) - BC blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
Blood cultures are performed to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. This test is crucial for diagnosing bloodstream infections, including sepsis, which can be life-threatening. It helps identify the specific microorganism causing the infection and guides appropriate antibiotic treatment. Blood cultures are typically ordered when a patient shows signs of a severe infection, such as high fever, chills, or rapid heart rate. The test involves incubating blood samples in special culture media to promote the growth of any present microorganisms. Results usually take several days, as the cultures are monitored for growth over time.
A ‘low’ or negative blood culture result means that no bacteria or fungi were detected in the blood sample. This could indicate:
However, a negative result doesn’t always rule out infection, especially if clinical symptoms persist. Multiple blood cultures may be necessary for accurate diagnosis.
A ‘high’ or positive blood culture result means that bacteria or fungi were detected in the blood sample. This indicates:
Further tests will be conducted to identify the specific microorganism and its antibiotic susceptibility. The patient will likely require hospitalization and close monitoring. Positive blood cultures are serious and require prompt medical intervention to prevent complications and manage the infection effectively.