Blood Culture for Sepsis in premature infants
The blood culture is among the laboratory tests healthcare providers may use to investigate Sepsis in premature infants. Learn what it measures, how to prepare, and what results can tell a provider. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
Order a Blood Culture Test
Lab testing is available through our partner network. Order online and visit a local collection site. No doctor's order or insurance required.
- Sample type
- Blood
- Typical turnaround
- 2-5 business days
- Preparation
- Sterile collection by healthcare provider.
Why the blood culture may be ordered for Sepsis in premature infants
Detects bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.
When evaluating Sepsis in premature infants, a healthcare provider may order the blood culture alongside other tests based on your symptoms, history, and physical exam. Test selection and result interpretation are clinical decisions made by a qualified professional.
Symptoms associated with Sepsis in premature infants
Abdominal distention
Distention of the abdomen....
Abnormal bleeding
An abnormal susceptibility to bleeding, often referred to as a bleeding diathesis. A bleeding diathesis may be...
Diarrhea
Abnormally increased frequency (usually defined as three or more) loose or watery bowel movements a day....
Dyspnea
Difficult or labored breathing. Dyspnea is a subjective feeling only the patient can rate, e.g., on a Borg sca...
Edema
An abnormal accumulation of fluid beneath the skin, or in one or more cavities of the body....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Hypotension
Low Blood Pressure, vascular hypotension....
Jaundice
Yellow pigmentation of the skin due to bilirubin, which in turn is the result of increased bilirubin concentra...
Seizure
A seizure is an intermittent abnormality of nervous system physiology characterized by a transient occurrence ...
Vomiting
Forceful ejection of the contents of the stomach through the mouth by means of a series of involuntary spasmic...
Other tests used to investigate Sepsis in premature infants
CBC with Differential
Measures red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to help evaluate overall health and detect disorder...
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Lactate
Measures lactic acid levels to assess tissue oxygenation and sepsis risk....
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the blood culture used to investigate Sepsis in premature infants?
Yes - the blood culture is among the tests healthcare providers may consider when evaluating Sepsis in premature infants. Detects bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. Test selection is a clinical decision made by a qualified professional.
How should I prepare for the blood culture?
Sterile collection by healthcare provider.
How long does the blood culture take?
Results for the blood culture are typically available within 2-5 business days depending on the laboratory.
Does this website interpret my blood culture result?
No. SymptomDatabase.com does not interpret laboratory results. Discuss all results with a qualified healthcare provider.