What is a blood culture test?

A blood culture test helps your doctor determine if you have a type of infection that is in your bloodstream and can affect your whole body. Doctors call this a systemic infection. The test checks a sample of your blood for bacteria or yeast that may be causing the infection.

Why would I need it?

If your doctor orders this test, it's because he thinks you might have a systemic infection and wants to check your blood for certain types of germs. You can help them find the best treatment for you.

Your doctor may order the test if you have symptoms that may include:

• Fever or chills

• Tired

• urinating less often than normal

• Nausea

• Confusion

• faster heart rate or breathing

If your infection is more severe, you may have:

• Swelling in different areas of your body.

• Formation of small blood clots in small blood vessels

• A significant drop in blood pressure

• organ failure

What happens during the test?

A nurse or phlebotomist (medical technician who draws blood) will clean your skin and insert a thin needle into your vein to draw blood. The process will be repeated using another vein for the most accurate results.

In a lab, your blood samples will be mixed with a special material called a culture. Helps bacteria or yeast to grow if they are already present in the blood.

You may be able to get your blood tests results earlier within 24 hours. But you may have to wait 48 to 72 hours to find out what type of yeast or bacteria is causing your infection. You may also need other tests.

What do the results mean?

Your doctor may talk about "positive" and "negative" results. If you get a "positive" result on your blood culture test, it usually means that there are bacteria or yeast in your blood. "Negative" means there is no sign of them.

If two or more of your blood cultures are positive for the same type of bacteria or fungus, it is likely the type of bacteria or yeast causing your infection. A blood infection is serious. You will need immediate treatment, probably in a hospital.

What happens if my results are positive and negative?

If one of your blood culture tests is positive and the other is negative, it can still mean that you have an infection. But it could also mean that one of the blood samples was contaminated with bacteria from his skin. Your doctor may order more tests or need more information before making a diagnosis.

If you take the test again and both blood cultures are negative, you probably don't have a blood infection caused by bacteria or yeast. But if you continue to have symptoms, you may need more tests.

If my results are negative, why do I've symptoms?

There are a few reasons. Some types of bacteria and yeast are difficult to grow, so you may need to obtain a special type of culture.

In addition, these cultures cannot detect viruses. So if you have a viral infection you may need further testing.

You can reach us at any time of day or night by contacting us through our 24/7 online customer support chat or by calling (650) 300-0796.