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Blood is the body fluid collected to detect septicemia because septicemia, or blood poisoning, is characterized by the presence of bacteria or their toxins in the bloodstream. When a patient is suspected of having septicemia, blood cultures are performed to identify the specific organism causing the infection, which is critical for guiding appropriate treatment.

Urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and feces may be tested for other infections or conditions, but they are not the primary fluids used to diagnose septicemia. While urine may be associated with urinary tract infections that can lead to sepsis, and CSF can be tested for meningitis-related infections, blood is crucial for assessing systemic infections like septicemia. Feces are relevant for gastrointestinal pathogens but do not serve as a reliable indicator for septicemia. Thus, blood collection is the standard practice for diagnosing this serious condition.