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Lab Test Dictionary

Blood Culture, Aerobic

Methodology

Bactec FX

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Performing Lab

RCHSD Microbiology

Epic ID

LAB462

Lab Test Days

Upon Receipt

Standard TAT

5 Days

Collection Information

Specimen Required

1-5 mL Blood (0.5 mL minimum for children weighing <15 kg)

Container Type

BACTEC Peds Plus/F culture bottle (Plastic)

Collection Instructions

Select a different site for each culture set. Avoid collecting blood through indwelling intravenous or intra-arterial catheter unless blood cannot be obtained by venipuncture or unless the diagnosis of catheter sepsis is suspected. Use ChloraPrep to cleanse the site. Allow the area to dry for approx. 30 seconds. Do not blot or wipe the area. Remove the protective dust cover on the BACTEC bottle and disinfect top of bottle with alcohol prep pad (only) and allow to dry. When collecting both Anaerobic and Aerobic blood cultures, transfer blood into the Anaerobic BACTEC Standard Anaerobic/F culture bottle (Yellow) first to prevent the introduction of air into the vial and then the Aerobic BACTEC Peds Plus/F culture bottle (Pink). Mix well to avoid clotting. Anaerobic and Aerobic blood cultures must be collected at the same time. Place patient label vertically, avoid covering volume window and barcode on blood culture bottle (s).

Processing Information - Lab Use Only

Transport Temperature

Ambient-Only

Rejection Criteria

Expired bottle; Bottle from manufacturer other than Bactec

Test Volume Required

5 mL Blood

Minimum Test Volume

1 mL Blood (0.5 mL minimum for children weighing <15 kg)

Comments

Blood Culture for Streptobacillus moniliformis (rat bite fever): Collect a Peds plus/F Bactec bottle and 3 mL Blood in a sodium citrate (light blue-top) tube. Blood Culture for bacteria and fungus: If both bacterial and fungal culture is needed, order both cultures, inoculate a single bactec bottle and place both labels on the single bactec bottle. Once received, Lab will change the incubation protocol to reflect extended monitoring. Do not collect a separate bactec bottle for fungus studies.