Blood Cultures

Microbiology

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Description

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Sample Type

For Adults - 8 to 10 ml of blood in each of 2 Blood culture bottles (Aerobic and Anaerobic). For Paediatrics - 0.5 to 5 ml of blood into 1 Paediatric Blood culture bottle.

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Reference Range

Optimum Blood Volume - 8-10ml Adult Samples, 3-5ml Paediatric Samples

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Turnaround Time

Within 1 week

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Testing Frequency

Continually

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External Notes

The volume of blood must NOT EXCEED 10ml, otherwise false positives may occur. There is a vacuum draw in excess of 10mls so marks on the bottle labels need to be used to estimate the volume inoculated. Multiple sets of cultures are rarely useful. If a line infection is suspected, blood cultures through each lumen of the line and the periphery should be taken. OUT OF HOURS - Blood cultures may be taken at any time and may not require the attention of the Biomedical Scientist (BMS) but it is essential that they are delivered promptly to the laboratory. Cultures may be positive within 24 hours. CULTURES PROLONGED IF INDICATED (eg ?Infective Endocarditis). RELEVANT CLINICAL DETAILS ARE ESSENTIAL INCLUDING PREVIOUS ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY

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Patient Preparation

In order to minimise contamination by skin flora (either from the patient or the operator) sampling must use good aseptic technique and be performed by appropriately trained staff.Ideally, blood for inoculation into blood culture bottles should be tak

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See Also

MYCOBACTERIAL INVESTIGATIONS (AAFB, TUBERCULOSIS);CATHETER TIPS (CVP, INTRAVENOUS, LONG LINE, VENTRICULAR)

Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.