What is bactec blood culture?

The BD BACTEC™ Automated Blood Culture System utilizes fluorescent technology in detecting the growth of organisms in the blood culture bottles. The sample to be tested is inoculated into one or more vials which are inserted into the BD Bactec fluorescent series instrument for incubation and periodic reading.

Why do they do a blood culture test?

Blood cultures are used to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi in the blood, to identify the type present, and to guide treatment. Testing is used to identify a blood infection (septicemia) that can lead to sepsis, a serious and life-threatening complication.

What is an anaerobic blood culture?

Blood cultures are drawn into special bottles that contain a special medium that will support the growth and allow the detection of micro- organisms that prefer oxygen (aerobes) or that thrive in a reduced-oxygen environment (anaerobes).

How is a positive blood culture treated?

After a blood culture If your doctor suspects that you have a blood infection, they may begin treatment right away via intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics. This medication can start fighting a wide range of bacteria while you’re waiting for the blood culture or susceptibility testing results.

What does anaerobic culture test for?

This test looks for certain types of bacteria in a wound or a fluid sample from an infection site. These bacteria are called anaerobic because they don’t need oxygen to grow. An anaerobic culture means the test is done without letting oxygen get to the sample.

When is anaerobic blood culture done?

Anaerobic blood culture may be most helpful when (1) bacteremia because of obligate anaerobes is clinically suspected, (2) patients are severely immunocompromised, and (3) source of bacteremia is not identified by clinical evaluation.

What is the difference between bacteremia and septicemia?

Bacteremia is the simple presence of bacteria in the blood while Septicemia is the presence and multiplication of bacteria in the blood. Septicemia is also known as blood poisoning.