What it means
A blood sample is put into culture bottles that help germs grow. If something grows, the lab names it and tests which antibiotics kill it (sensitivity). It is ordered when a bloodstream infection or sepsisSEP-sisA severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.Full entry is suspected, often with a fever or chills. Early results come within a day or two; final results take about five days.
For the nurse
Draw blood cultures before the first dose of antibiotics. Usually two sets are taken from two different sites. Clean the skin and the bottle tops well, because skin bacteria in the sample give a false result.
At a glance
| Normal range | No growth (negative). |
|---|---|
| Spanish | hemocultivo |
| Also written | blood cultures |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
sepsis
A severe whole-body response to an infection that damages the body's own organs.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
fungus
A living thing, such as a yeast or mold, that gets food from other matter; some kinds cause infections. The plural is fungi.