Blood Culture & Sensitivity
The definitive test for bacteria in the bloodstream, with antibiotic sensitivities.
Also known as: blood culture, sepsis screen
Price on request
We can collect this sample at your home, free of charge. Book a home visit.
- Turnaround
- 3–5 days
- Preparation
- No fasting needed. Eat and drink normally.
- Sample
- Blood sample
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About this test
Blood culture grows any organism circulating in the blood and identifies which antibiotics will kill it. It is the gold standard for prolonged or unexplained fever and for suspected sepsis or typhoid. Samples should be taken during a fever spike and before antibiotics are started.
What it measures
- Organism identification
- Antibiotic sensitivity panel
A note on results. A single test is one part of a clinical picture, not a diagnosis. Discuss your report with a qualified doctor, who will read it alongside your history and examination.
Related to
- Fever & infection
Often ordered with this
AFB Smear & Culture
Microscopy and liquid culture for tuberculosis.
- Smear same day; culture up to 6 weeks
- No fasting
Anti-HCV (Hepatitis C Antibody)
Screens for exposure to hepatitis C.
- Same day
- No fasting
- Home collection
ASO Titre
Evidence of a recent streptococcal infection, in suspected rheumatic fever.
- 24–48 hours
- No fasting
- Home collection