A bacterial infection is one where harmful bacteria develop within the body of an individual. The development of these bacteria creates problems with the functioning of the body. There are many types of bacteria that are good and, in fact, required by the human body for various functions. However, there are also strains of bacteria that lead to the development of problems in the body. A bacterial infection can be treated with anti-biotic medication. However, each different type of bacteria has its own unique structure and characteristics. This means that broad-spectrum antibiotics will only be partially successful against bacterial infections. In order to properly target and remove an infection, the doctor must use specific, targeted medications. This means that the strain of bacteria needs to be identified. A blood culture test is used in such a situation.
A blood culture test is one where a sample of blood is collected and kept for storage in a laboratory. After storage for a couple of days, the sample will be tested for bacteria. Specific bacteria can be diagnosed using microscope and chemical analysis. This test is usually carried out while the patient is under broad-spectrum antibiotics. The blood culture protocol dictates that the sample be collected using sterilized equipment in a sterilized environment. This blood culture protocol ensures that the sample is not contaminated by bacteria which may be present in the room or in the tools being used. Another rule in the blood culture protocol is that the sample should be spread over several air-tight vials. This will ensure that a contamination can be avoided over the entire range of samples. The blood culture method is simple when it comes to blood collection. This takes place using the standard method of blood drawing. Blood is drawn from a vein in the upper forearm after the area has been cleaned. The blood culture method for collection takes just a few seconds and is relatively pain free. The blood culture procedure is essential for discovering whether certain infectious forms of bacteria are present. Some bacterial infections may even be dangerous or contagious, therefore requiring some form of aggressive treatment.
Most countries have a set blood culture protocol and certain universal blood culture guidelines that need to be followed which is practiced by medical institutions under their jurisdiction. In most cases, the blood culture protocol states that one must take multiple samples which are tested at different time intervals to allow for the development of the bacteria. Keeping the blood culture interface in mind would help to avoid the chances of contamination.