Culture and Sensitivity (BACT/ALERT) Blood Test

The Culture and Sensitivity (BACT/ALERT) blood test detects and identifies bacteria causing bloodstream infections to guide effective antibiotic treatment. This test uses advanced BACT/ALERT bottles inoculated directly at the bedside for rapid results.

How It Works?

• A sterile needle is used to draw a blood sample which is directly inoculated into BACT/ALERT aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles.
• The carbon dioxide produced by bacteria metabolism causes the BACT/ALERT bottles to signal positive much faster than conventional cultures.
• The positive bottle is unloaded, Gram stained, and subcultures to identify organisms and determine antibiotic susceptibilities.
• The isolated bacteria are tested against various antibiotics to provide a susceptibility profile.
• Results are available in 24–72 hours versus 48–72 hours for standard cultures.

When Recommended?

• If bacterial blood infection or sepsis is suspected.
• When the source of fever is unknown.
• Patients with unexplained symptoms that may indicate spreading infection.
• Immunocompromised patients.
• If antibiotics have been ineffective.

Preparation

• No special preparation needed.
• Inform phlebotomist about any bleeding disorders or blood thinners.

Results

• Positive culture confirms spreading infection requiring prompt, targeted antibiotic treatment based on identified bacteria and susceptibility profile.
• Negative culture helps rule out blood infection, so other potential causes can be explored.

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