BLOOD CULTURE & SENSITIVITY (AEROBIC + ANAEROBIC SET)

Test Name

Aliases

BLOOD C&S (AEROBIC + ANAEROBIC SET)

Abbreviations

BLOOD C/S (AEROBIC + ANAEROBIC SET)

Test Classification

GROUPED TEST

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

Blood culture and sensitivity (aerobic and anaerobic set) are critical for diagnosing a wide range of bloodstream infections. The aerobic set detects bacteria requiring oxygen, while the anaerobic set identifies bacteria that thrive without oxygen. Sensitivity testing for both determines effective antibiotics, ensuring comprehensive detection of pathogens in conditions like sepsis, intraabdominal sepsis, endocarditis, and abscesses, and guiding appropriate treatment for mixed or complex infections.

Last Review

26th Feb 2026