Back
Print 

Blood culture

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

A blood culture is a test on a sample of blood to check for bacteria, a fungus, or sometimes viruses in the bloodstream. The test may be done if a doctor suspects a blood infection. A blood culture may help determine the specific organism causing an infection and select the appropriate antibiotic to treat it.

Usually a blood culture is needed only if a person is severely ill. Blood cultures are commonly done when a person has a high fever or shaking chills that mean there may be an infection of the blood.

It usually takes between 1 and 3 days to get the results of a blood culture. But a blood culture to look for a fungus or virus can take weeks.

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.