Culture, Fungus, Blood

Specimen Type: Blood

Container/Tube: Anaerobic bottle(s)

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions: 

1. Draw blood 1 hour prior to expected fever/chills (usually mid-afternoon). Blood may be sterile by the time fever begins.

2. Choose vein to be drawn by touching skin before it has been disinfected.

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

4. 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.

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

6. Insert needle into vein and withdraw blood. Change needle and clean top of bottle(s) with alcohol (not iodine). Inject blood into bottle(s).

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

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