Blood C/S - BacT/Alert (with bottle)
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This test checks for the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream using the BacT/ALERT automated blood culture systemicion.
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🧪 Blood Culture & Sensitivity – BacT/ALERT Method
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Test Name | Blood Culture and Sensitivity (C/S) – BacT/ALERT System |
Sample Type | Whole Blood collected directly into specialized culture bottles |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Organ System | Systemic (used to detect bacteremia or septicemia) |
Test Duration | Typically 5–7 days (preliminary report in 24–48 hrs if positive) |
🧬 What is Blood C/S (BacT/ALERT)?
This test checks for the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream using the BacT/ALERT automated blood culture system.
The BacT/ALERT bottles contain nutrients and a colorimetric sensor that changes when microorganisms grow. If growth is detected, further tests are done to identify the organism and its antibiotic susceptibility (sensitivity).
🧫 Why is it Done?
Purpose | Explanation |
|---|---|
🌡️ Diagnose Sepsis | Critical in patients with fever, chills, shock, or suspected bloodstream infection |
🧬 Identify Causative Organism | Determines which bacteria/fungus is causing the infection |
💊 Guide Antibiotic Therapy | Sensitivity results help choose the most effective antibiotic |
🔄 Monitor Treatment Response | Helps assess if infection is clearing or persisting |
⚠️ Common Indications for This Test
- High fever with chills or rigors
- Suspected sepsis or septic shock
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart lining)
- Meningitis or pneumonia with suspected bloodstream involvement
- Immunocompromised patients (e.g., cancer, transplant, HIV)
- Post-surgical infections
- Neonatal sepsis
🧪 Procedure Notes
- Usually 2–3 sets of cultures are collected from different venipuncture sites
- Each set includes:
- Aerobic bottle (blue cap)
- Anaerobic bottle (purple cap)
- Collected before antibiotics are started, if possible
📊 Possible Outcomes
Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Positive | Bacteria or fungi detected; further ID and sensitivity performed |
Negative | No growth in culture; no active bloodstream infection detected |
Contaminant | Skin flora or environmental bacteria may grow — interpretation depends on context |
🧪 Next Steps if Positive
Follow-up Tests | Purpose |
|---|---|
Gram Staining & Subculture | Classify the bacteria (gram-positive/negative) |
Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing | Identify effective treatment options |
Imaging (CT/Ultrasound) | Detect abscesses, infected catheters, or prosthetics |
Repeat Cultures | Monitor if infection is persisting or resolving |
🧬 Common Organisms Detected
- Escherichia coli
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Enterococcus faecalis
- Candida albicans (fungus)
- Salmonella typhi (in enteric fever)
📋 Summary Table
Test Name | Blood Culture & Sensitivity – BacT/ALERT |
|---|---|
Sample | Blood (directly into BacT/ALERT bottles) |
Organism Detection | Bacteria and fungi in bloodstream |
Time Required | Preliminary (24–48 hrs), Final (5–7 days) |
Used In | Fever, suspected sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, post-op cases |
Sensitivity Report | Helps guide targeted antibiotic treatment |
How our test process works!
