To help assure result validity, the following collection
procedure must be observed:
- Cleanse the venipuncture site with a 70% alcohol swab.
- Wipe the site with iodine by starting at the center and working
outward with a circular motion. (Note: If patient is allergic to
iodine, use an additional clean alcohol swab in place of the iodine
swab).
- Allow the site to air dry for at least one minute before
venipuncture.
- Clean the top of the rubber stopper on the blood culture bottle
with alcohol.
- A syringe must be used for collection. After collection, inject
blood into blood culture bottles.
For cultures on adults, use one Bactec™ aerobic bottle (grey-top,
inoculate with 8-10 mL) and one Bactec™ anaerobic bottle
(yellow-top, and inoculate with 5-7 mL). The minimum amount of
blood for each bottle is 3ml. If less than 6ml of blood is
obtained, place the entire amount into the grey-top (Aerobic)
bottle.
For cultures on children, Bactec™ pediatric bottles (pink-top) are
available which require 1-3 mL. Transport promptly at room
temperature. Bactec™ blood culture bottles are available upon
request from the Supply Department.
- Label each vial with the patient's full name (first and last),
date of birth, date of collection, time of collection and specific
body site (e.g., right arm).