What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about carrying carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), a type of bacteria that doesn't respond well to many common antibiotics. It's often used if you've recently been hospitalized, spent time in a long-term care facility, traveled internationally for medical care, or been exposed to someone known to carry these bacteria. It helps identify whether you're a carrier before these bacteria cause a hard-to-treat infection or spread to others.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with an explanation of what a positive or negative screen means. If your screen comes back positive, next steps typically include following any facility infection-control guidance and retesting as advised, since carrying CRE doesn't always mean you're sick but does mean extra precautions matter. A standard lab report is downloadable from your account for your records. You can also track results over time using the trends feature if you're retested in the future.

Who should consider this test?

People who've been hospitalized recently, especially in intensive care units, are good candidates for this screen. It's also useful for anyone who has been treated at a healthcare facility outside the U.S., lives in a nursing home or long-term care facility, or has had close contact with someone known to carry resistant bacteria. Healthcare workers wanting to check their own carrier status may also consider this test.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Carrying CRE usually doesn't cause symptoms on its own, so this test is more about exposure history than symptoms. However, if you have a wound, urinary tract infection, or bloodstream infection that isn't improving with standard antibiotics, that's a sign the bacteria involved might be resistant. Recurrent infections after antibiotic treatment, especially following a hospital stay, are also a reason to screen.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days. This timeframe reflects the lab culture process needed to accurately detect resistant bacteria, even though initial screening on selective media can flag results faster. You'll be notified as soon as your report is available in your account.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the selective culture detected bacteria that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. This doesn't necessarily mean you're sick, since you can carry these bacteria without having an active infection. It does mean you should follow good hygiene practices, like frequent handwashing, and let any facility staff know your status if you're admitted for care, since infection-control precautions help prevent spread to others.

What causes someone to carry carbapenem-resistant bacteria?

You can pick up these resistant bacteria through contact with contaminated surfaces, medical equipment, or another person who carries them, most commonly in hospital or long-term care settings. Frequent or prolonged antibiotic use can also make it easier for resistant strains to take hold in your gut. International medical travel to regions with higher resistance rates is another common risk factor.

How often should I retest?

If you previously tested positive, retesting every few weeks to months may be recommended depending on facility guidance or ongoing exposure risk. If you're a healthcare worker or caregiver with regular exposure, periodic screening can help catch new carriage early. Otherwise, retesting is generally only needed if you have a new hospital stay or known exposure.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your screen is positive, focus on strict hand hygiene and let any healthcare facility know your status before admission or procedures. Avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, since this can make resistant bacteria harder to clear from your system. If you develop symptoms of an infection like fever, pain, or wound redness, seek medical care promptly since resistant infections need specific antibiotic choices.

How can I lower my risk of carrying resistant bacteria?

Practicing thorough handwashing, especially after hospital visits or contact with medical equipment, is one of the most effective everyday steps. Only take antibiotics when truly necessary and finish prescribed courses fully to avoid encouraging resistance. If you're in a long-term care facility, following posted isolation or precaution signs helps protect both you and others.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

CRE Culture Screen - Antibiotic Resistance Test

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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