Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
About Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Anaerobic Blood Culture VITEK, Automated Anaerobic Blood Culture, Blood Culture Anaerobic VITEK, Blood Culture for Anaerobes |
| Sample Type | Blood in an anaerobic blood culture bottle |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 5 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children of all genders, particularly those with suspected anaerobic bloodstream infection |
| Price | Starting at ₹1,200 |
What is a Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test?
The Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK test is a specialised blood test that detects bacteria capable of surviving without oxygen in the bloodstream.
A small blood sample is collected into an anaerobic culture bottle and analysed using the VITEK 2 automated system, which identifies the bacteria and determines which antibiotics can treat the infection. This test is also known as the Anaerobic Blood Culture VITEK or Automated Anaerobic Blood Culture.
What Does a Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Measure?
This test examines a blood sample for the presence of anaerobic bacteria — organisms that grow in the absence of oxygen. The VITEK 2 system performs three key functions:
- Bacterial detection: Identifies whether anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides species (common in gut infections), Clostridium species (associated with serious tissue infections), and Fusobacterium species (linked to oral and throat infections) are present in the blood.
- Bacterial identification: Uses fluorescence-based technology to identify the exact species of bacteria detected, producing faster results than manual methods.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing: Determines which antibiotics will be effective against the identified bacteria, helping doctors choose the right treatment.
Why is a Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Done?
Doctors order this test when a patient shows signs of a possible anaerobic bloodstream infection. It helps confirm the diagnosis and guides treatment decisions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Fever, which is the most typical sign in patients with bacteria in the bloodstream
- Chills and rigors (uncontrolled shaking)
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Altered mental status or confusion
- Reduced urine output
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Unexplained fatigue and nausea
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test can help identify several serious infections, including:
- Anaerobic bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) caused by Bacteroides species, which account for the majority of anaerobic bloodstream infections
- Infections caused by Clostridium and anaerobic cocci, including gas gangrene and related conditions
- Intra-abdominal, perianal, brain, and soft tissue abscesses
- Liver abscesses associated with Bacteroides and Fusobacterium species
- Sepsis, septic shock, and systemic inflammatory response that can arise from untreated anaerobic infections
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparing for this test is straightforward, but following a few guidelines helps ensure accurate results.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following points in mind before going in for sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test.
- If at all possible, have blood collected before starting any antibiotic treatment, as antibiotics can affect the accuracy of the culture.
- If you are already on antibiotics, your doctor may advise collecting the sample just before your next dose, when antibiotic levels in the blood are lowest.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK test procedure:
- A healthcare professional identifies a suitable vein, usually in the arm, for blood collection.
- The skin over the vein is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of contamination.
- A small amount of blood (approximately 2 mL for newborns; typically 5 to 10 mL for adults) is drawn using sterile equipment.
- The blood is transferred directly into a specialised anaerobic culture bottle, which keeps oxygen out to allow anaerobic bacteria to grow if present.
- The sealed bottle is labelled and sent to the laboratory, where it is placed in an automated incubation system at body temperature.
- The VITEK 2 system continuously monitors the bottle for bacterial growth and, if growth is detected, performs identification and susceptibility testing.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of your results:
- Recent antibiotic use is the most significant factor and can reduce the test's ability to detect bacteria
- Insufficient blood volume collected reduces the chance of detecting low-level infections
- Poor skin antisepsis before collection can lead to contamination, producing a false positive result
- Delay in transporting the bottle to the laboratory after collection
Understanding Your Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Results
Results from this test should always be reviewed together with your doctor, who will consider your symptoms, clinical history, and overall health when interpreting them. Below is the standard reference range for this test.
| Parameter | Normal Result | Abnormal Result |
|---|---|---|
| Blood culture result | No growth (sterile) | Growth detected (positive) |
A negative result means no anaerobic bacteria were found in the blood sample.
A positive result means bacteria were detected; the laboratory will then report the specific organism identified and which antibiotics are effective against it.
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 recently had abdominal surgery or are immunocompromised are at higher risk of anaerobic infection, and even low bacterial counts in their cultures may be clinically significant.
Neonates with abdominal concerns, or patients with animal bites, immunosuppression, or complicated deliveries, may have specific organisms targeted in their culture results.
Skin bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes may sometimes appear in results; your doctor will determine whether this represents true infection or sample contamination.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this test detects an acute infection rather than a chronic condition, the following general habits support recovery and reduce infection risk:
- Maintain good hygiene around wounds, surgical sites, and any skin breaks to prevent bacterial entry.
- Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, which can increase susceptibility to bloodstream infections.
- Follow your doctor's wound care advice carefully after surgery or injury.
Lupin Diagnostics Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test Price
The Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹1,200. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available because sterile technique and specialised culture bottles must be used and processed promptly.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 1200 |
| CHENNAI | 1200 |
| HYDERABAD | 1200 |
| KOLKATA | 1200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 1200 |
| PUNE | 1200 |
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 for the Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK test online booking:
- 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
An aerobic culture grows bacteria in the presence of normal oxygen levels, while an anaerobic culture is performed without oxygen. The anaerobic blood culture VITEK test specifically targets bacteria that cannot survive in oxygen-rich environments. Both types are often ordered together to give a full picture of a possible bloodstream infection.
Your doctor may order this test if you have had recent gastrointestinal surgery, a gynaecological procedure, trauma, a malignancy, diabetes, or if you are immunocompromised. These conditions increase the risk of infection with bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.
The culture bottle is incubated for up to 5 days, although many bacteria are detected within the first 48 hours. Full identification and sensitivity results using the VITEK 2 system typically take up to 5 working days in total.
Do not stop antibiotics without your doctor's advice. However, if timing is flexible, your doctor may recommend collecting the blood sample before starting antibiotic therapy, or just before your next dose if you are already on treatment.
The Bacteroides fragilis group and other Bacteroides species are the most frequently isolated organisms, accounting for the majority of anaerobic bacteraemias. Clostridium, Fusobacterium, and Peptostreptococcus species may also be detected.
Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK test home collection is not available. This test must be performed at a Lupin Diagnostics centre. Specialised anaerobic culture bottles and strict sterile technique are required, and the sample must reach the laboratory promptly to ensure accurate results.
A positive culture triggers further testing to identify the exact bacteria and determine which antibiotics will be effective. Your doctor will use these findings to guide appropriate treatment. Always follow your doctor's clinical advice based on your full test report and health history.
Culture Automated Blood, Anaerobic- VITEK Test
