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Blood Culture
A blood culture is a test to detect germs such as bacteria or fungi in the blood. One may be ordered when a child has symptoms of an infection — such as a high fever or chills — and the doctor suspects bacteria or fungi have spread into the blood. The culture can disclose what type of germ is causing the infection, which will determine how it is treated.
To do the test, the doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. Results are ready in a few days, but if the child is severely ill, the doctor may start treatment before the results are complete. Treatment will be based on the most likely cause of the infection, but can be changed to be specific for the microbe found when the culture is completed and the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria or fungi has been determined.
Why Do a Blood Culture?
During some illnesses, certain infection-causing bacteria and fungi can invade the bloodstream and spread into other parts of the body, away from the original infection site. Their presence in the blood usually means that a child has a serious infection. Such infections usually cause a more rapid heart rate and high fever with an increase in the white blood cell count.
A blood culture can reveal a number of infections or problems, such as endocarditis, a severe and potentially life-threatening problem that occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream stick to the heart valves. A blood culture might also detect Staphylococcus aureus, and Cheryl M. Coffin, MD
Date reviewed: June 2006
Originally reviewed by:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment,
consult your doctor.
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