What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're dealing with a bacterial infection that hasn't improved after standard antibiotics, or if you've been told a culture came back resistant to common drugs. It checks whether the bacteria causing your infection produce an enzyme called carbapenemase, which makes them resistant to some of the strongest antibiotics available. This helps identify why an infection may be hard to treat so the right approach can be chosen.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If the result is positive, it means the bacteria are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, and this information is important for choosing an effective treatment plan quickly. If your infection symptoms are severe, such as high fever, confusion, or difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away rather than waiting on results. You can download a standard lab report from your account, and if you're retested later, you can track results over time using the trends feature.

Who should consider this test?

People with infections that keep coming back or aren't responding to typical antibiotics may want this test. It's also useful for people who have recently been hospitalized, especially in intensive care, since carbapenem-resistant bacteria are more common in hospital settings. Anyone previously diagnosed with a resistant infection may also benefit from this test to check if the resistant enzyme is still present.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Signs that an infection may involve resistant bacteria include symptoms that don't go away or get worse despite taking antibiotics, recurring infections in the same area, or infections that came back after initial treatment seemed to work. Fever, pain, redness, or drainage that persists longer than expected can also be a clue. If you've had a positive culture that mentions resistance to antibiotics, this test can help clarify the specific type of resistance involved.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically available within about 7 days from when your sample is processed at the lab. This turnaround allows time for the lab to grow and properly test the bacteria for resistance patterns. You'll get a notification once your results are ready to view in your account.

What is carbapenemase and why does it matter?

Carbapenemase is an enzyme some bacteria produce that breaks down carbapenem antibiotics, which are normally used as a last resort when other antibiotics fail. When bacteria have this enzyme, they become very hard to treat because they may also resist other antibiotic classes like fluoroquinolones and sulfa drugs. Knowing if this enzyme is present helps guide which treatments might still work.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the bacteria found in your sample can produce carbapenemase and are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, a group of drugs often used when other options don't work. This means standard antibiotic treatment may not be effective, and a different treatment approach is likely needed. If you get a positive result along with worsening symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means the bacteria tested did not show signs of producing the carbapenemase enzyme, so carbapenem antibiotics are more likely to be effective if needed. This is generally reassuring, but it doesn't rule out resistance to other types of antibiotics. Your infection may still need to be managed with an appropriate antibiotic based on other test results.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't typically done on a routine schedule like wellness panels, since this test is used when there's an active concern about a resistant infection. If you're treated for a resistant infection, retesting afterward can help confirm the bacteria have cleared or check if resistance persists. Your infection history and how you're responding to treatment will guide whether and when to retest.

What should I do if my results are positive?

If your result is positive, treatment usually needs to shift to antibiotics known to work against carbapenemase-producing bacteria, since standard options won't be effective. Practicing good hygiene, like thorough handwashing, can help prevent spreading resistant bacteria to others, especially if you're in a household with someone who is immunocompromised. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, seek medical care immediately rather than waiting to manage this on your own.

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.

Carbapenemase Detection Test - Antibiotic Resistance Check

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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