All tests › Infection and immunity tests

Blood culture

Infection and immunity tests · also printed as Blood cultures, Blood culture and sensitivity, BC, Blood culture (aerobic), Blood culture (anaerobic)

Typical UK adult rangeExpected result: No growth

No growth is the expected result.

What this test measures

Blood cultures put a sample of blood into bottles that encourage bacteria to grow, to find infection in the bloodstream.

Why doctors request it

Taken in hospital when someone has a fever or is unwell with suspected serious infection.

What commonly pushes it up

Bacteria in the bloodstream
Contamination from skin bacteria during collection, which the lab usually flags

What commonly pushes it down

A negative result is the usual finding

Everyday reasons for a value outside the range

Results can be equivocal and are then repeated
Recent vaccination or infection elsewhere can occasionally give a weak positive

About the sample

No fasting needed.

Written by a UK consultant physician. Typical UK adult reference ranges; your laboratory's own printed range takes precedence.

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This is an educational summary of results you uploaded. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not replace the doctor who requested the test. If you are worried, or a result is marked outside range, discuss it with your doctor. Written and reviewed by a UK consultant physician. Reference ranges vary between laboratories.