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| Investigation | Blood Cultures | | Indications | Septicaemia is a bacterial infection of the blood, commonly known as blood poisoning.
Causes and risk factors
Often septicaemia is a complication of another infection, such as of the lungs or kidneys, and occurs when the bacteria escape that part of the body and get into the bloodstream. Bacteria can also come from burns, infected wounds, boils and tooth abscesses. Sometimes it isn’t obvious how it has got into the blood stream.
Anyone can develop septicaemia.
The people most at risk are those with weakened immune systems, because of an existing illness, for example, or medication.
Older people, children and intravenous drug users are also more susceptible. | | Specimen Type |  Venous Blood | | Request Form | Microbiology | | Transport Medium | BacT/ALERT® blood culture bottles. Aerobic (Blue) and Anaerobic (Red) bottles. Other bottles for Tuberculosis examination are available on request. | | Related tests | None | | HOW TO guides | None | | Information leaflets | None | | Publications | None | | Guidelines | None |
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