<P> Two blood cultures drawn from separate sites of the body are often sufficient to diagnose bacteremia . Two out of two cultures growing the same type of bacteria usually represents a real bacteremia, particularly if the organism that grows is not a common contaminant . One out of two positive cultures will usually prompt a repeat set of blood cultures to be drawn to confirm whether a contaminant or a real bacteremia is present . The patient's skin is typically cleaned with an alcohol - based product prior to drawing blood to prevent contamination . Blood cultures may be repeated at intervals to determine if persistent--rather than transient--bacteremia is present . </P> <P> Prior to drawing blood cultures, a thorough patient history should be taken with particular regard to presence of both fevers and chills, other focal signs of infection such as in the skin or soft tissue, a state of immunosuppression, or any recent invasive procedures . </P> <P> Ultrasound of the heart is recommended in all those with bacteremia due to Staphylococcus aureus to rule out infectious endocarditis . </P> <P> The presence of bacteria in the blood almost always requires treatment with antibiotics . This is because there are high mortality rates from progression to sepsis if antibiotics are delayed . </P>

Heart disease is caused by the presence of bacteria in the blood