blood cultures

Blood cultures are laboratory tests that detect bacteria or other germs in the bloodstream. A healthcare provider draws a small amount of blood, which is then incubated in special bottles to see if any microorganisms grow. This helps determine if an infection is present in the blood, identify the specific germ causing it, and guide appropriate treatment. The process usually takes a day or two for results. Blood cultures are important for diagnosing serious infections like sepsis and ensuring patients receive the right antibiotics.