Blood Culture Routine


Abbrev Code:BLDCX   
Order Code:LAB462Order Name:Blood Culture
Methodology:BACTEC culture method (fluorescence)
CPT Codes: 87040 x1, 87800 x1, 87076 x1, 87077 x1, 87107 x1, 87107 x1, 87106 x1, 87106 x1
Test Includes:Culture for aerobes, anaerobes (see below)
Turnaround Time:Performed 24 hours/day. Preliminary reports are issued at 24 hours. Care provider is contacted when culture is positive, negative results are reported within 6 days.
Special Instructions:Previous antimicrobial therapy may delay the growth of organisms, but does not warrant additional cultures.
If blood is collected through a vascular access device to aid in interpretation of positive results:
  • For patients >36.3 kg, aerobic and anaerobic culture bottles are always drawn together from each collection site for each collection.
  • For patients < 36.3 kg, if anaerobic organisms are suspected, select include anaerobic bottle when ordering.
Associated Links:

Blood Collection for Cultures (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral), BACTEC Training


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Blood
Optimal Volume:Adult or patient >36.3 kg: 8-10 mL, 3 mL minimum, in BACTEC Plus Aerobic/F. 8-10 mL, 3 mL minimum in BACTEC Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F
Minimum\Peds Volume:For pediatric patients <36.3 kg: 3 mL, 1 mL in BACTEC Peds Plus/F
Container:BACTEC Lytic/10 Anaerobic/F, Blood Culture Bottle(s)
Collection Instructions:Range: use BactAlert bottles.
All Other Sites: use BactecFX bottles

DRAW ORDER: Collect aerobic cultures before anaerobic cultures to prevent introduction of air into the anaerobic bottle.
Patient Preparation:See procedure "Blood Collection for Cultures (Bacterial, Fungal, Viral)" under laboratory procedures.


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Store at room temperature.
Shipping Instructions:Ship at room temperature. Must arrive within 24 hours.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory   (Grand Itasca, Range, UMMC East Bank)


Interpretive

Critical Range:Any bacterial isolate should be considered significant and evaluated in relation to the patient's clinical state.
Reference Range:No growth.
Use:Isolate and identify potentially pathogenic organisms causing bacteremia.


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