Blood Culture
How to prepare
You can eat and drink normally before the test.
No special preparation needed.
Tell our phlebotomist about any medicines you take. Don't stop them without asking your doctor.
Wear a loose sleeve so the sample can be taken easily from your arm.
How it works
About this test
Blood culture grows bacteria from a blood sample to find bloodstream infections (like typhoid or sepsis) and the right antibiotic.
Why is this test done?
- High fever with chills
- Suspected sepsis or typhoid
- Choose the right antibiotic
Symptoms — when should you get tested?
- High fever with shivering
- Low BP
- Very unwell
Normal range
Reference ranges differ slightly between labs, methods, age and sex. Always discuss your report with your doctor.
If your result is high
Growth of bacteria confirms bloodstream infection.
Common reasons- Typhoid
- Sepsis
- Heart valve infection
How is the test done?
- 1Book online
Choose your slot for home collection or a visit to our centre.
- 2Blood sample taken
A trained phlebotomist takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm with a sealed, single-use needle. It takes about 2 minutes.
- 3Tested in our lab
Your barcoded sample is tested on automated machines with strict quality checks.
- 4Report on WhatsApp
A pathologist checks the result and the report reaches you on WhatsApp and email.
Frequently asked questions
Give the sample before starting antibiotics for the best result.
No fasting is needed for this test. You can eat and drink normally.
Your report is usually ready in 3-5 days after the sample reaches our lab. We send it on WhatsApp and email, and you can also download it from the Reports page.
Please call our team to confirm whether home sample collection is available for your location and test.
This test needs a blood sample. No special preparation needed.