A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
CULTURE, BLOOD
MessageBefore the phlebotomy procedure, patients with a weight of = 60 lbs. (27 kg) must have a discard tube drawn prior to the collection of the blood culture bottles. The cap of the discard tube MUST be physically cleaned with an alcohol prep pad and allowed to dry prior to beginning the phlebotomy procedure.
Test Code
BC
Alias/See Also
Blood Culture
CPT Codes
87040
Includes
Includes: Culture; Smear; Organism ID if Indicated; Sensitivity if Indicated
Preferred Specimen
BACTEC Blood Culture Bottle (aerobic and/or anaerobic).
If unable to collect both aerobic and anaerobic bottles as for infant collections, use the aerobic bottle and add a pediatric label.
If unable to collect both aerobic and anaerobic bottles as for infant collections, use the aerobic bottle and add a pediatric label.
Minimum Volume
3 mL per vial
Other Acceptable Specimens
SPS tube
Instructions
Gently mix blood and solution.
Specimen Stability
Blood culture bottles: room temperature up to 24 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Refrigerated samples will be rejected.
Blood and bone marrow are the only acceptable sample types. Any other sample type will be rejected.
Methodology
BACTEC Continuous Monitoring System
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun
Report Available
No growth (negative) culture will remain in process for 5 days with preliminary reports issued at 1 day and 2 days. If extended incubation is verbally requested, cultures may be held up to 4 weeks.
Positive cultures will be reported between 24-28 hours from initial set up and will be called as critical alerts.
Positive cultures will be reported between 24-28 hours from initial set up and will be called as critical alerts.
Reference Range
No growth
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMIC (Microbiology)
Last Updated: August 14, 2024