Blood Culture and Sensitivity
General Information
Lab Name
Blood C/S
Lab Code
BLDC
Epic Name
Blood Culture, Peripheral
Description
Two sets of blood cultures are recommended; maximum 3 sets per 24 hours. (one set includes 1 aerobic plus 1 anaerobic bottle)
BacT/Alert blood culture bottle collection, labeling and transport information
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| SDES | Specimen Description |
| SREQ | Special Requests |
| CULT | Culture |
| RPT | Report Status |
Interpretation
Method
BacT/ALERT bottles are incubated in the BioMerieux Virtuo which continuously monitors the bottles for growth of microorganisms. Once growth is detected, a rapid idnetification system is used to identify organisms and resistance genes. Organisms are isolated on solid agar media using conventional culture techniques. Final identification of any bacteria isolated is by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry or molecular sequencing. Susceptibility testing is performed on most isolates. Staphylococcus species that are coagulase negative (except S. lugdenensis), Bacillus species and presumptive diphtheroids do not get automatic susceptibility testing. Please inform lab if susceptibility testing is needed for those idolates.
Reference Range
See individual components
Interferences and Limitations
Neisseria species, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Peptostreptococcus species, or Gardnerella vaginalis recovery may be inhibited by SPS.
Guidelines
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Disinfect draw site AND BOTTLE TOPS. Allow to dry. Collect 8-10 mL blood in 1 FA Plus aerobic blood culture bottle and 8-10 mL in 1 FN Plus anaerobic blood culture bottle.
UW-Montlake: Also acceptable: approximately 8 mL blood in each of 2 yellow top (SPS) tubes [UW-MT PMM order #: 100409, NOT an ACD tube]. DO NOT send blood in yellow top SPS tubes if the suspected organism is Neisseria species, Streptobacillus moniliformis, Peptostreptococcus species, or Gardnerella vaginalis because SPS may inhibit the recovery of these organisms.
BacT/Alert blood culture bottle collection, labeling and transport information
Handling Instructions
Do NOT overfill or underfill. Do not place patient label over the barcode label. Note: Whenever possible, inoculate the maximum volume for optimal sensitivity of culture. Refer to "Nursing Services Policy and Procedures for Nursing Care: Obtaining Blood Culture" procedure (UW-MT).
Transport: Transport at room temperature to the laboratory ideally within 30 minutes after collection, or within 12 hours if transporting from an outside location. Specimens received in blood culture bottles or yellow top SPS tubes >12 hours after collection will be rejected. Viability of organisms is significantly reduced after 12 hours.
Transport in the pneumatic tube system: Place plastic blood culture bottles in a large biohazard specimen bag with the request slip. Then place the bagged bottles between TWO sections of foam padding inserts before sending the specimens in the pneumatic tube system.
Quantity
requested: 8-10 mL in each aerobic/anaerobic blood culture bottle. Use fill lines on the side of the bottle to gauge the correct blood volume.
minimum: 0.5 mL in one aerobic blood culture bottle or 0.5 mL in each aerobic/anaerobic blood culture bottle. If less than 1 ML collected, place the entire amount in an aerobic bottle only.
Processing
At SDES prompt, enter BLUD, phlebotomy site and bottle description, e.g. BLUD-RANT-AABT. If yellow top SPS tubes are received, inoculate into blood culture bottles. Bottles should be placed in blood culture instrument ASAP.
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Microbiology (MC)
Performing Location(s)
| HMC |
Microbiology
206-744-5858 325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420 |
|
|---|---|---|
| UW-NW |
Main Lab
206-668-1344 UW Medical Center – Northwest |
|
| UW-MT |
Microbiology
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room # NW177, |
Other Locations/Notes
UW-NW: Positive blood culture workup and susceptibility testing is performed at UW-MT. Please contact the UW Microbiology lab at 206-598-6147 with questions regarding positive culture results.
Frequency
Processed upon receipt
Available STAT?
No