Culture, Blood

Test Code

CUB

Preferred Specimen

See Microbiology Collection Instructions in Special Instructions for detailed information.

Specimen Type: Blood
Container/Tube: BacT/ALERT culture bottle(s)

Specimen Volume:

Adults: 8-10 mL

Pediatrics: 1-4 mL in BacT/ALERT pediatric culture bottle(s)

Collection Instructions:
1. Choose vein to be drawn by touching skin before it has been disinfected.

2. Cleanse skin over venipuncture site in a circle approximately 5 cm in diameter with 70% alcohol, rubbing vigorously.

3. Starting in center of circle, apply 2% iodine (or povidone-iodine) in ever-widening circles until entire circle has been saturated with iodine. Allow iodine to dry on skin for at least 1 minute. Timing is critical; a watch or timer should be used. (Time may change, check blood culture protocol.)

Note: For patients with known hypersensitivity to iodine, a double application of 70% alcohol may be used in place of iodine.

4. If site must be touched after preparation, disinfect fingers used for palpation in identical fashion or use a sterile glove. (Universal Precautions dictates that phlebotomists wear gloves.)

5. Clean tops of bottle(s) with alcohol (not iodine).

6. Insert needle into vein and withdraw blood.

7. Change needle and inject blood into bottle(s). Do not overfill bottle(s).

8. After needle has been removed, site should be cleansed with 70% alcohol again as many patients are sensitive to iodine.

9. Label bottle(s) with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

10. Indicate source of draw (venipuncture or line).

Performing Laboratory
Sarasota Campus Lab, Venice Campus Lab

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.