BLOOD CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY (AEROBIC)

Test Name

Aliases

BLOOD C&S (AEROBIC)

Abbreviations

BLOOD C/S (AEROBIC)

Test Classification

INDIVIDUAL

Department

MICROBIOLOGY

Sub Department

BACTERIOLOGY

TAT Category

ELAPSED (CONTINUOUS) TIME

Estimated TAT

132

TAT Units

HOURS

Test Requirements

Draw using aseptic, non-touch technique; blood cultures are the first to be collected in the venipuncture order of draw; do not refrigerate; transport immediately (at room temperature) to the lab for immediate incubation; for adults, 2-3 blood culture sets (aerobic & anaerobic bottle set) are recommended; for infants & young children, aerobic bottles suffices.

Clinical Utility

Aerobic blood culture and sensitivity are essential for diagnosing bloodstream infections caused by aerobic organisms, including sepsis and endocarditis. The culture identifies bacterial or fungal growth in the blood, while sensitivity testing determines the most effective antibiotics. This test is crucial for detecting life-threatening infections, guiding targeted antimicrobial therapy, and managing antibiotic resistance, improving patient outcomes in critical conditions such as bacteremia and systemic infections.

Last Review

26th Feb 2026