Blood Culture

Specimen Type

Plastic BacT/alert SA and SN bottles per one set of blood cultures ordered

Specimen Required

Draw Both Plastic BacT/alert SA and SN bottles per one set of blood cultures ordered

• 8-10 cc per bottle on ADULT patients.
• 4 cc per bottle on PEDIATRIC patients
• 1cc into the Aerobic Bottle only for neonates

Specimen Minimum Volume

Draw Both Plastic BacT/alert SA and SN bottles per one set of blood cultures ordered

• 8-10 cc per bottle on ADULT patients.
• 4 cc per bottle on PEDIATRIC patients
• 1cc into the Aerobic Bottle only for neonates

Specimen Stability Information

• Transport at room temperature.
• Specimen should be received within 24 hours of collection.
• *NOTE* Specimens that do not meet the above criteria will be rejected.

Rejected Due To

• Greater than 24 hour specimen transport delay to Glens Falls Hospital Laboratory
• Visibly damaged media
• No blood seen in bottles

Special Instructions

Two sets per 24-hour period are the maximum accepted unless collected to rule out Endocarditis. For Endocarditis, 3 sets may be drawn in the first 24-hour period followed by 2 sets the next day, for a total of 5 sets. To avoid contamination, the venipuncture site must be properly disinfected with an antiseptic scrub solution before collection. The tops of the blood culture bottles should be similarly disinfected before inoculating. If other blood orders are to be drawn, the blood culture must be collected first. Procedure: 1. Bring the bottles of media to room temperature. Label bottles with complete patient information and the date and time of collection. Also note the date and time of collection on the collection label and the phlebotomist initials. Place one of the medium sized rectangular bar code labels along one side of the bottle. Do NOT wrap the label around the bottle as the bar code cannot be read in this position. 2. Disinfect the exposed tops of the bottle stoppers using a 70% alcohol prep. Do NOT touch the top of the stopper after disinfection. 3. Set up the specimen collection device as follows: SYRINGE AND NEEDLE – Assemble the sterile needle and syringe or use a sterile needle-syringe combination. Loosen but do not remove the needle shield. BLOOD COLLECTOR (Butterfly Adapter) – Remove the blood collector from the packaging. Do NOT clamp the tubing. Follow manufacturer’s directions for use of the device. Loosen but do not remove the needle shield at the venipuncture collection end of the tubing. 4. SITE PREPARATION Chlora Prep Scrub: Apply the tourniquet and select venipuncture site, then release the tourniquet. Remove ChloraPrep scrub from the kit, hold applicator with sponge facing downward and gently squeeze wings, releasing solution for a controlled flow. Place sponge on selected venipuncture site and apply ChloraPrep solution using a back and forth fruction scrub. Scrub vigorously for 30 seconds and allow the area to dry. 5. DRAWING SPECIMEN: Re-apply the tourniquet and palpate vein, using the disinfected finger, and draw specimen with butterfly adapter. Blood culture bottles accommodate up to 5 mL of blood. Attempt to collect the full 5 mL, but do NOT overfill the bottles. The blood culture bottle label displays 5 mL sample fill increments and is designed for a measured 5 mL draw. SYRINGE AND NEEDLE – Remove the needle shield and perform venipuncture, withdrawing blood to be cultured. Add this blood to the culture medium in the bottle by puncturing the bottle stopper with the needle and allowing the vacuum in the bottle to withdraw the specimen. BLOOD COLLECTOR (Butterfly) – Remove the needle shield and perform venipuncture, allowing the blood to reach the end of the stopper puncturing needle. Puncture the stopper of the bottle with this needle. Loosen the tourniquet as soon as the blood starts to flow. Fill the bottle to the designated volume. Remove the needle from the 1st bottle and fill subsequent bottle as required. Discard all collection devices into an approved sharps container. Disinfect and clean the tops of the bottle stoppers with an alcohol pad. Mix the blood with the broth by gently inverting the bottle 4 – 5 times.

Performing Laboratory

Glens Falls Hospital Microbiology Laboratory

• Turn around time is 5 days for negative blood cultures.
• Positive blood cultures are called as soon as detected.

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

• 365 days
• 24 hours/7 days per week

Analytical Time

Continuous 24 hour automated monitoring by Biomerieux Virtuo Blood Culture Instrument

Specimen Retention Time

5 Days for Negative culture results

21 Days ( 3 sets drawn) for 21 days – with specific R/O Endocarditis request

Analytical Time

Continuous 24 hour automated monitoring by Biomerieux Virtuo Blood Culture Instrument