Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test
About Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Blood Culture Aerobic and Anaerobic, Blood Culture with VITEK Identification, Blood Culture and Sensitivity (Automated), BC Aerobic/Anaerobic |
| Sample Type | Blood in blood culture bottles (aerobic and anaerobic) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 days (preliminary results may be available within 24 to 48 hours if positive) |
| Recommended For | All ages and genders; ordered when a bloodstream infection is suspected |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,500 |
What is a Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test?
The Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK test is a laboratory investigation that checks for harmful germs, such as bacteria or fungi, in the blood. Blood is normally sterile, so any detected growth suggests a possible infection. The test uses two specially prepared bottles: one that supports germs needing oxygen (aerobic) and one for germs that grow without oxygen (anaerobic). Results are processed using the VITEK automated system, which identifies the organism and determines which antibiotics will work against it.
What Does a Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test Measure?
This test examines blood samples across two bottles to detect a wide range of disease-causing microorganisms. Here is what each component covers:
| Component | What it Detects |
|---|---|
| Aerobic bottle (Bottle 1) | Bacteria that need oxygen to grow, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
| Anaerobic bottle (Bottle 2) | Bacteria that grow without oxygen, such as Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium species, and Fusobacterium species |
| VITEK Automated Identification | Uses biochemical and metabolic analysis to identify the exact organism found in the sample |
| Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) | Determines which antibiotics are effective against the identified organism |
Using both bottles together ensures a broader range of potential pathogens can be detected from a single testing episode.
Why is a Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test Done?
A doctor may order the Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2-VITEK test when a patient shows signs of a serious infection that may have spread to the bloodstream. Below are the common reasons this test is requested.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms often lead a doctor to order a blood culture:
- High fever, particularly when persistent or recurring
- Chills and shivering without a clear cause
- Rapid breathing and an unusually fast heart rate
- Confusion or a sudden change in mental state
- Low blood pressure or signs of shock
- Unexplained fatigue, body aches, nausea, or vomiting
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several serious conditions involving the bloodstream:
- Bacteraemia (bacteria circulating in the blood)
- Fungaemia (fungi detected in the blood)
- Septicaemia, which can lead to organ failure
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves)
- Infections related to prosthetic devices, such as joint replacements or vascular grafts
- Intravascular line-associated sepsis
- Fever of unknown origin
How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK test procedure requires very little preparation. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink as normal before sample collection. There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before heading to the collection centre:
- Tell your doctor about any antibiotics or other medications you are currently taking, as antibiotic use before the test can affect results
- Try to have blood collected before starting any new antibiotic treatment, wherever possible
- Stay well hydrated before the test
- Wear a loose-sleeved top to allow easy access to the arm for blood collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test involves collecting blood into specially prepared culture bottles. The volumes required differ by age group: adults require 15 ml per bottle, children require 5 ml per bottle, and newborns require 1 ml per bottle.
The following steps describe the collection process:
- The skin at the collection site (usually the inner arm) is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of contamination.
- A tourniquet is applied to make the vein more visible, and the phlebotomist performs a venepuncture (draws blood from the vein).
- Blood is drawn and carefully transferred into the aerobic culture bottle (Bottle 1) and the anaerobic culture bottle (Bottle 2) in the correct volumes for your age group.
- Both bottles are labelled and transported to the laboratory, stored at refrigeration temperature (2 to 8°C) to preserve sample integrity.
- In the laboratory, the bottles are placed in an automated incubation system that continuously monitors for signs of microbial growth.
- If growth is detected, the VITEK system performs automated identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing to guide treatment decisions.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of blood culture results:
- Prior use of antibiotics before sample collection is one of the most common reasons for a false negative result
- Collecting insufficient blood volume reduces the chance of detecting an organism
- Poor skin decontamination technique before collection can introduce skin bacteria, leading to a false positive (contaminated result)
- Timing of collection relative to fever spikes (collecting during or just after a fever spike may improve detection)
- Samples drawn from central venous catheters carry a higher risk of contamination than samples from a peripheral vein
Understanding Your Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test Results
Your results will typically be reported as negative (no growth) or positive (growth detected). The table below summarises what each outcome means.
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| No growth / Negative | No bacteria or fungi were detected; no bloodstream infection found |
| Positive | A microorganism was identified in the blood; further identification and sensitivity results will follow |
| Contaminated | Skin bacteria may have entered the sample during collection; your doctor will assess clinical relevance |
Disclaimer: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can affect how results are interpreted:
- Patients who have already started antibiotic treatment may return a negative culture even when an infection is present, as antibiotics can suppress bacterial growth in the sample.
- Immunocompromised patients (for example, those undergoing chemotherapy) may show atypical organisms or unusual presentations that require specialist interpretation.
- A positive result in a critically ill patient collected in an emergency setting carries a higher risk of contamination and will be assessed carefully alongside clinical findings.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
Although this test is ordered when infection is suspected rather than as a routine check, the following general practices support good health:
- Practise regular hand hygiene and maintain personal cleanliness to reduce the risk of bacterial infections
- Seek prompt medical attention if you develop a persistent fever, chills, or other signs of infection
- Always complete any prescribed antibiotic course in full, as directed by your doctor, to prevent antibiotic resistance
Lupin Diagnostics Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test Price
The Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2-VITEK test is priced starting at ₹1,500 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as home collection is not available.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1500 |
| CHENNAI | 1500 |
| HYDERABAD | 1500 |
| KOLKATA | 1500 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1500 |
| PUNE | 1500 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The aerobic bottle (Bottle 1) supports the growth of bacteria that require oxygen, while the anaerobic bottle (Bottle 2) detects bacteria that thrive in the absence of oxygen. Using both bottles together means the test can identify a wider range of organisms from the same blood draw.
The VITEK automated system identifies the specific organism found in the blood and tests which antibiotics will work against it. This provides results significantly faster than traditional manual methods, helping doctors begin targeted treatment sooner.
The final report, including organism identification and antibiotic sensitivity, is typically available within 5 days. If bacteria grow quickly, a preliminary positive result may be communicated within 24 to 48 hours.
With certain infections, bacteria appear in the blood only intermittently. A series of blood culture sets may be collected to improve the chance of detecting the organism responsible for the infection.
Yes. Antibiotics can suppress bacterial growth in the sample, which may lead to a negative result even when an infection is present. Blood should ideally be collected before starting antibiotic treatment. If treatment has already begun, inform your doctor so the results can be interpreted accordingly.
A contaminated result usually means that skin bacteria entered the sample during collection rather than from a true bloodstream infection. Your doctor will review the findings alongside your symptoms and clinical history to decide whether further testing is needed.
The test involves a standard blood draw from a vein in the arm, similar to any routine blood test. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. The process is quick and well-tolerated by most patients.
Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic)-VITEK Test
