Generally speaking, the suffix "-emia" (from ancient Greek αἷμα, haîm, "blood") (1) refers to the presence of different substances in the bloodstream. Thus, the term bacteremia represents the presence of bacteria in the blood. If the presence is accompanied by bacterial multiplication in the bloodstream, it is called septicemia. The inflammatory response of the human organism to bacteremia results in sepsis, a condition characterized by the presence of clinical signs and symptoms that may progress to septic shock. Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Bacteremia is therefore a potentially life-threatening condition that carries with it a considerable morbidity and the risk of death. It comes as no surprise that the rapid and accurate identification of causative agents and their antimicrobial resistance is of particular interest to clinicians. Different microorganisms are capable of causing bacteremia, but their frequency and distribution depends on factors such as different geographic location. Monitoring and being informed about the most common causative agents and their antimicrobial resistance in each region can help in selecting the most effective empirical therapy for patients with bacteremia. On the other hand, selection of targeted antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of bacteremia requires microbiological processing. Blood culture processing followed by antibiogram making is still a method of choice for determining the etiology of bacteremia and its therapy. This review will focus on the clinical importance of blood cultures; diagnostic strategies for the detection of bacteremia, including a review of new molecular methods and approaches. Considering the importance of these methods in diagnosis of bacteremia, it is important to understand their principles, technical requirements and limitations.