Blood Culture (BLDC) |
EPIC Test Name
Blood CultureEPIC Code
LAB462Specimen Requirements
Blood | |
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Minimum Volume: | Aerobic/F: 8mL Peds Plus: 1mL Anaerobic/Lytic: 8mL |
Collection: | For pediatric patients >80 lbs (>36 kg) and adults: two venipunctures must be performed, collecting an aerobic and anaerobic blood bottle from each site. Refer to Clinical Pathology Procedure CM B-08 for requirements for pediatric patients <36 kg and for venipuncture collection procedure. Line Draw: Because of a higher rate of contamination, blood should not be drawn from a line unless a peripheral sample is impossible to obtain. |
Transport: | Room Temperature |
Stability: | Room Temperature: <48 hours 37 degrees C: <12 hours |
Container: | BACTEC bottles |
Notes: | Blood Culture Identification Panel will be performed on initial positive cultures from inpatients only. |
Turnaround Time
Specimen | Turnaround Time | Frequency |
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Blood | Preliminary culture results after 24 hours incubation Final negative culture available after 5 days | Daily |
Additional Information
Submitting less than the required volume will decrease recovery of organisms. Single blood cultures are rarely indicated. For persistently febrile patients, routine blood cultures should not be repeated if the initial cultures are negative. Draw only for new febrile episodes or if there is a change in clinical condition.Performed
Lab |
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Microbiology - Downtown |
Test Includes
Culture |