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Mastering blood cultures: the key to better outcomes

Although blood culture is arguably one of the most common and important diagnostic tests in the proper management of infectious diseases, it is frequently overlooked or underestimated. Yet blood cultures provide essential information for patient management. Failing to optimise their use, in particular through appropriate collection, processing and analysis, represents a missed opportunity for clinicians and ultimately for patients, warns Dr. Yoann Personne.

Blood cultures should be collected when a patient is suspected of having an infection, in particular in the case of sepsis (i.e. a severe infection, or an infection associated with organ failure), ideally before antibiotic administration. In addition, to using aseptic techniques, you also need to take into account sample volume and number of sets. National guidelines and recommendations stipulate that at least two sets of blood cultures (= two aerobic and two anaerobic bottles) should be collected with a volume of 8-10mL per bottle in adults (adequate blood volume for paediatric BC are mainly weight-dependent). The bottles should then be incubated in a blood culture analyser as soon as possible, ideally within a maximum of four hours.1,2 

But is that the reality in clinical practice? Findings from recent surveys and audits are quite alarming. A 2018 NHS England and NHS Improvement survey1 demonstrated that 87% of sites took only one set (rather than the recommended two) and only 3% of UK sites incubated blood cultures bottles within four hours of collection. In 40% of cases, time from sample collection to incubation was more than 24 hours! Regarding the volume of blood, which is a key parameter to ensure detection of bacteremia or fungemia, the vast majority of Trusts (88%) did not measure the collected volume of blood and 41% had, in fact, never audited their blood culture workflow altogether.

Why it is everyone’s problem

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Upcoming Events

The Operating Theatres Show 2023

Kia Oval, London
28th September 2023

Diversity, inclusion and equality in surgery conference

RCS England Headquarters, London, WC2A 3PE
30th September 2023

UK Respiratory Infections Seminar

Mary Ward House, London
4th October 2023

Ecolab's Public Health & Sustainability Day

Old Trafford, Manchester United
10th October 2023

CSC Autumn Study Day 2023

LMI conference centre, Liverpool
16th October 2023

Prevent, Protect, Provide: Minimising infections for patients and the NHS

The Clermont Hotel, London, WC2N 5HX
30th October 2023

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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