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Culture, Blood
MessagePerformed in the Microbiology Laboratory x5785.
One "set" consists of one aerobic (green) bottle and one anaerobic (maroon) bottle. Pediatric patients weighing less than 13kg (28lbs) can be drawn in a single pediatric (yellow) bottle.
Always draw prior to administration of antibiotics.
Blood cultures are routinely incubated for 5 days. Most organisms will be detected in this time. If extended incubation desired for rarely encountered organisms (such as Brucella), contact Microbiology at x5785.
One "set" consists of one aerobic (green) bottle and one anaerobic (maroon) bottle. Pediatric patients weighing less than 13kg (28lbs) can be drawn in a single pediatric (yellow) bottle.
Always draw prior to administration of antibiotics.
Blood cultures are routinely incubated for 5 days. Most organisms will be detected in this time. If extended incubation desired for rarely encountered organisms (such as Brucella), contact Microbiology at x5785.
Test Code
CXBLD
Alias/See Also
Blood Culture
CPT Codes
87040
Includes
Aerobic and Anaerobic culture. Reflex to additional bacterial isolate identification if pathogenic organisms are isolated and bacterial susceptibility if apropriate.)
Preferred Specimen
Two sets collected from different venipuncture sites.
In the event that two venipuncture sites cannot be found, it is acceptable to draw one set through an arterial-line.
Cultures drawn through a central line should be avoided.
In the event that two venipuncture sites cannot be found, it is acceptable to draw one set through an arterial-line.
Cultures drawn through a central line should be avoided.
Minimum Volume
Aerobic and anaerobic bottles: 5-10mL per bottle. (use aerobic bottle only if not enough volume for both)
Pediatric bottle: 1-4 mL per bottle
Instructions
Please consult detailed collection instructions in HWP 4064: "Obtaining Blood Cultures" (link provided below).
http://intra/nmadman/Section%204/4064.pdf
http://intra/nmadman/Section%204/4064.pdf
Transport Container
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temp 4 hours
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unlabeled or mislabeled specimens.
Methodology
Culture
Setup Schedule
Test perfomed Sunday through Saturday, 24 hrs.
Report Available
Positives are reported and called immediately.
Negatives are reported final after 5 days of incubation.
Negative results available after 10 days for extended cultures.
Negatives are reported final after 5 days of incubation.
Negative results available after 10 days for extended cultures.
Limitations
Volume of blood collected and sterile collection technique are the most critical variables in obtaining useful blood culture results.
Reference Range
No Growth
Clinical Significance
Rule out Bacteremia
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology X65785 / X65786
Additional Information
Obtaining Blood Cultures Policy
