Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic) – VITEK
Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 (Aerobic & Anaerobic) – VITEK
Blood culture bottles are specialized containers used to collect and transport blood specimens for the detection of microbial infections. The bottles have been specifically designed to facilitate the growth of two types of microorganisms: bottle 1 for aerobic (oxygen-dependent) microorganisms and bottle 2 for anaerobic (oxygen-sensitive) microorganisms. The VITEK system is a type of automated microbial identification and susceptibility testing system. It uses various biochemical and metabolic tests to analyze the characteristics of the microorganisms present in the sample.
Healthcare providers order this test to identify blood infections caused by aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, which can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening chronic condition
Who should be tested?
Symptoms of sepsis (infection in the blood) that require an automated blood culture test include
Fever
Chills
Fast heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Low blood pressure
Confusion
Decreased urination
Inflammation throughout the body
Infections (affecting heart valves, bones, spinal cord or brain)
Organ failure
What is Blood Culture Bottle 1 and 2 test used for?
The blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test proves useful in the following conditions
Testing for a bacteria, yeast in the blood to confirm that an infection is the cause of an individual’s symptoms
Determining the specific type of bacteria causing an infection
Assessing the severity of the infection
Planning the treatment to check which antibiotic works best against the specific bacteria
Monitoring how well the infection is responding to the particular treatment
Test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test. Some antibiotics might affect your test results. So, make sure your doctor is aware of any antibiotics that you have taken before the test
Interpretation of the Test Results
A positive test result for blood culture bottles 1 and 2 indicates the detection of infection-causing bacteria or other germs in your blood sample, which can potentially lead to sepsis. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required, and you will be admitted to a hospital for necessary treatment. However, it is important to note that an abnormal result could also be due to contamination of the blood sample, where the identified bacteria may have originated from your skin or the laboratory equipment, resulting in a false-positive result.
Negative test result
A negative result for both blood culture bottle 1 and 2 tests indicates that there are no infection-causing bacteria or other germs present in your blood sample
FAQs
How is the blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test performed?
Blood culture bottles 1 and 2 are utilized for aerobic and anaerobic testing, respectively. During the procedure, a healthcare professional collects blood from the patient and divides it into these specialized bottles. The aerobic bottle encourages the growth of organisms in the presence of oxygen, while the anaerobic bottle promotes the growth of those in low-oxygen conditions. The bottles are then incubated to allow microorganism growth. After incubation, the cultures are analyzed for the presence of bacteria or yeast, aiding in the diagnosis of systemic infections
Are there any risks associated with the blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test?
This test involves negligible risk. There might be slight soreness or tenderness around the site where the blood is drawn. Rarely, the site can become infected
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test?
The blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test results are usually available within 5-6 working days after the sample collection. This duration may vary depending on the diagnostic clinic
When do I need follow-up blood culture bottle 1 and 2 tests?
Depending on your symptoms and the results of your blood culture bottle 1 and 2 test, you may require follow-up testing if your blood culture tests are negative but you have symptoms of an infection. Since a blood culture test cannot detect all germs, other types of tests or repeat blood culturing tests may be ordered to look for the cause or spread of an infection. After treatment has started, you may need follow-up blood culture tests to see if the treatment is working against the germs and if your infection is getting better
Can a blood culture bottle test be used for viral infections as well?
No, blood cultures are primarily designed to detect bacterial and fungal infections. Viral infections are usually diagnosed through other methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests
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