BLOOD CULTURE
Name: BLOOD CULTURE
Mnemonic: BC
Container: BACTEC BLOOD CULTURE BOTTLES
Handling: Specimen: Blood collected in a Bactec aerobic resin bottle and lytic anaerobic bottle for adult; Bactec Peds resin bottle for pediatric. Use aseptic technique defined for blood culture collection. Minimum pediatric: 1 ml blood (1-3 ml recommended)
Minimum adult: 3 ml blood* (8-10 recommended)
* Low volume will result in decreased recovery of pathogens. Stability: Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: Unacceptable Set up daily. TAT: Routine 5 days
Methodology: Bactec 9240; standard culture procedures
Reported: Preliminary daily; final negative at 5 days; sensitivity 2-3 days if indicated
CPT: 87040
Department: Microbiology