Specimen Requirements
Title
CULTURE, BLOOD
Specimen Requirement
Obtain 2-3 blood culture sets. Collecting a single set is not recommended. One set will provide insufficient blood volume for the detection of some infections. Obtain blood samples using a syringe or butterfly. Inoculate 1 aerobic bottle (TSB) with 15-20 mL of blood and 1 anaerobic bottle (Thioglycollate broth) with 15-20 mL of blood. Do not vent the vials. Store specimens at room temperature. For pediatric patients, call laboratory for instructions.
Methodology
Conventional culture technique.
Stability
Do not refrigerate of freeze, do not pre-incubate bottles prior to shipment.
Reference Range
By Report.
Turnaround
5-6 days
Clinical Use
Aids in the diagnosis of septicemia, endocarditis, fever of unknown origin, and sepsis.
Test Code
BLCUL