Test Information:
A blood culture is a laboratory test in which blood is inoculated into bottles containing culture media to determine whether infection-causing microorganisms (bacteria or fungi) are present in the patient’s bloodstream. It aids in the diagnosis and treatment of bloodstream infections.
Specimen Container:
Set of BacT/Alert Bottles
- FA PLUS (Green) Aerobic
- FN PLUS (Orange) Anaerobic
Only the specified culture bottles mentioned are ACCEPTABLE, no other alternative.
Specimen Type:
Whole Blood
Required Volume:
8 to 10 mL
Patient Preparation:
No Patient Preparation
Notes:
- Clinical features of sepsis including tachycardia, tachypnoea, increased or subnormal temperature and change in sensorium, hypotension or prostration.
- Suspicion of infective endocarditis.
- Pyrexia of unknown origin.
- Unexplained leucocytosis or leucopenia.
- Systemic and localized infections including suspected meningitis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, acute untreated bacterial pneumonia
or other possible bacterial infection.
- Collect 2 sets of Blood Culture the least, but no more than 3 sets are generally required. Each set of blood cultures should be drawn from a separate site and inoculated into one aerobic and one anaerobic bottle.
- Peripheral blood is the preferred sample site, if patient is with IV or port, 1 site should be extracted from the peripheral the second site may be from the port/IV.
- Follow aseptic technique in blood collection.
- Include in Internal Message: ward, who extract the blood, site of collection and special remarks/endorsements.
- Please indicate Time and Date of Collection.
Storage & Stability
(Before Processing)
- Storage: 18 to 24°C
Stability: 24 hours from the time of collection
Transport Temperature:
N/A (Not Applicable)
Test Category:
Routine
Test Schedule:
Daily
Results Availability:
• If NO GROWTH:
‣ Preliminary report after 48 hours
‣ Final report after 5 days
• If POSITIVE:
‣ Preliminary Report will be released 15 minutes after the preliminary Gram Stain is validated.
‣ Final report: within 5 days (may be extended depending on the pathogenic organisms isolated)