What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained fever, night sweats, persistent cough, or fatigue that won't go away, especially if your immune system is weakened. It helps identify whether mycobacteria, including the type that causes tuberculosis or other related species, are present in your bloodstream. This is especially useful for people with HIV, organ transplants, or other conditions that lower immune defenses, since these infections can spread through the blood in ways they normally wouldn't in healthy people.

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 culture means. If mycobacteria are found, you'll want to seek medical care right away since bloodstream infections like this need prompt attention. A negative result is reassuring, but if symptoms continue, your account will include guidance on next steps and whether retesting makes sense. You can download the full lab report anytime and use the trends feature to keep track of results if you test again in the future.

Who should consider this test?

People with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, or anyone on immune-suppressing medication, are good candidates for this test. It's also useful for anyone with unexplained, prolonged fevers or symptoms that suggest a serious infection isn't responding to typical treatment. If you've had known exposure to tuberculosis or a related infection and are experiencing systemic symptoms, this culture can help pinpoint the cause.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like prolonged fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, or extreme fatigue that lasts for weeks. These symptoms combined with a weakened immune system are a strong signal that a bloodstream infection could be at play. If you notice these signs getting worse or not improving, this test can help figure out what's going on internally.

When will I get my results?

Results for this blood culture typically take about 7 days, since mycobacteria grow slowly and need time to be detected in the lab. This is longer than many other blood tests because the lab uses a special liquid growth method to catch even small amounts of bacteria. You'll be notified as soon as your results are ready in your account.

What is Mycobacterium infection and why does it matter?

Mycobacterium is a group of bacteria that includes the species responsible for tuberculosis and other serious infections that can spread through the bloodstream. When these bacteria get into the blood, they can cause widespread illness, especially in people whose immune systems can't fight them off effectively. Catching a bloodstream infection early with a culture test matters because it allows treatment to start before the infection spreads further or becomes harder to manage.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive culture means mycobacteria were found growing in your blood sample, which points to an active infection that needs prompt attention. This isn't something to wait out at home — seek medical care as soon as possible so the specific type of mycobacteria can be identified and addressed. The lab report will include details on what species was detected, which helps guide the urgency and type of care needed.

What causes a mycobacterium bloodstream infection?

These infections usually happen when the immune system is too weak to contain mycobacteria that are normally kept in check, allowing them to spread from the lungs or another site into the blood. Common risk factors include advanced HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, chemotherapy, or long-term use of immune-suppressing medications. Environmental exposure to certain mycobacteria species, like those found in soil or water, can also play a role in people with weakened defenses.

How often should I retest?

If your first result is negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting after your symptoms evolve or as advised through your care can help catch an infection that wasn't detectable the first time. For people with ongoing immune suppression and recurring symptoms, periodic testing may be part of a broader monitoring plan. There's no fixed schedule for healthy individuals since this test is typically ordered based on specific symptoms rather than routine screening.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your culture comes back positive, treat it as urgent and seek medical care immediately since bloodstream infections can progress quickly, especially in people with weakened immunity. Keep a copy of your lab report handy, as it includes helpful details about the specific organism found. While waiting to get care, avoid contact with others who may be vulnerable to infection and rest as much as possible.

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.

Mycobacterium Blood Culture - Infection Detection 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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