Culture and Sensitivity Aerobic (Blood) Test Detect and identify the specific bacteria causing an infection with the Culture and Sensitivity Aerobic (blood) test. This test involves collecting a blood sample and growing a culture to determine which bacteria are present and test their susceptibility to various antibiotics. How the Test Works A small sample of blood is collected by a phlebotomist through a needle inserted into your vein. Proper sterile technique prevents contamination. The blood sample is inoculated directly onto culture media plates optimized to grow aerobic bacteria. The cultures are incubated for 24-48 hours to allow any bacteria present to multiply. If growth occurs, the bacteria are identified through Gram staining, biochemical testing, and other methods. Antibiotic susceptibility testing determines which medications effectively stop the growth of the identified organism. A detailed lab report indicates the specific bacteria detected and their antibiotic resistance or susceptibility profile.