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Blood Culture: About Your Child's Test

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What is it?

A blood culture is a test to see what kind of bacteria or fungi are infecting your child's blood.

Why is this test done?

A blood culture is done to:

  • Find a bacterial infection that has spread into the blood. These include meningitis and osteomyelitis. They also include pneumonia, kidney infections, and sepsis.
  • Find a fungal infection in the blood. One common type is a yeast infection.
  • Check for endocarditis. This is a bacterial infection on the heart valves.
  • Find the best medicines to kill the bacteria or fungi.
  • Find the cause of an unexplained fever, shock, or other very serious illness.

How do you prepare for the test?

  • You don't need to do anything at home to prepare for the test.
  • Tell the doctor or nurse if your child took antibiotics recently.

How is the test done?

  • A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
  • Blood may be taken from two or three places on your child's body. Or it may be taken twice, a few hours apart.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your child's test results.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter B460 in the search box to learn more about "Blood Culture: About Your Child's Test".

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.