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BLOOD CULTURE: (088-0431)
Clinical Indication:

 Suspected bloodstream infection with aerobic, anaerobic bacteria or yeast
Test Mnemonic:

 C BLDN
Methodology:

 Bactec FX - continuous monitoring instrument, then culture
Performed:

 Clinical Microbiology
Turnaround Time:

 Cultures are held 5 days
Specimen Requirements: Patient Preparation: Cleanse venipuncture site. Use Bactec Bottles - Aerobic Plus (blue cap) and Anaerobe (yellow cap) or PEDS Plus (pink cap); remove cap and cleanse with alcohol

Collect:  Do not touch phlebotomy site after cleansing to prevent false positive culture growth. Use a syringe or butterfly to collect 20-30 ml of blood. Pediatric patients, collect 2-4 ml of blood, depending on the weight of the patient. Inject blood into the alcohol-cleaned aerobic and anaerobic blood culture vials.

Specimen Preparation: Inject blood into the alcohol-cleaned aerobic and anaerobic blood culture vials. Inject 10-15 ml into the aerobic bottle; inject 10-15 ml into the anaerobic bottle. If a pediatric bottle is used, inject it with 2-4 ml of blood (min 0.5ml).

Storage/Transport: Room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Stability: 48 hours

Causes for Rejection: Refrigerated bottles, submission of vials other than Bactec bottles

Clinical Information:

 
Reference Range:

No growth
Note:

Collect specimens using aseptic technique since contamination may lead to false positive results. Collect two sets of cultures per febrile episode. Positive culture results are considered a critical value and notification will be performed upon recognition of the positive result.

DO NOT COVER THE BOTTLE BAR CODE LABEL.
CPT 4 Code:

 87040
Review 8/2/2012 by Theresa Friloux

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

 

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