The Test is simple and the following steps are included;

Preparation

• No special preparation is needed for a blood culture test. However, it is suggested to inform your healthcare provider if you are currently on any medications as some antibiotics can interfere with the result.
• If a patient is on antibiotics, the doctor may tell the patient not to take the medicine before the test.
• It is advised that patients remain well-hydrated and do not consume alcohol prior to the test.

Sample Collection

• The healthcare provider obtains a blood sample using a method that is sterile to avoid contamination.
• Blood is generally taken from the arm by a healthcare professional using a sterile syringe or vacuum-sealed blood collection container.
• In the case of severe infection, it is recommended that samples be taken from different areas to increase the likelihood of detection.

 
Laboratory Analysis

• The blood sample is placed in a blood culture bottle which provides the appropriate culture media for bacterial and fungal growth.
• The process of culturing the sample takes 24-72 hours because the samples are kept in incubation at body temperature to allow any existing microbe to grow.
• Moderna’s automated detection systems grant continuous watching of bacterial or fungal growth within the culture bottles.