What is a common method for detecting bacterial infections?

A blood culture is a common method for detecting bacterial infections because it involves taking a sample of blood to look for the presence of bacteria. This test is particularly valuable since it allows for both the identification of the specific bacteria causing the infection and determination of their susceptibility to antibiotics. Blood cultures are performed in cases of suspected bacteremia or septicemia, where bacteria enter the bloodstream and could lead to serious health conditions.

In contrast, other imaging methods like X-ray, MRI, and CT scans are used for visualizing anatomical structures and identifying lesions or infections in tissues but do not directly identify the presence of bacteria in the way that blood cultures do. While these imaging techniques can provide important clues regarding the site and extent of an infection, they are not utilized as primary diagnostic tools for detecting the actual bacteria responsible for the infection.