Date

Field

Changed From

Changed To

External Transport Instructions

Load as soon as possible onto the Virtuo Analyzer. Store at room temperature until loaded

Load as soon as possible onto the Bactec FX Analyzer. Store at room temperature until loaded

Volume (Adults)

4 mL

Minimum/Paediatric Volume

1 mL

Preferred Container Type

Blood Culture Paediatric

Blood Culture (Paediatric)

Collection & Request Instructions

Add 0.5 - 4mL of blood to a single aerobic paediatric bottle.

For patients with suspected bacterial endocarditis, 2 to 3 sets taken at different times should be sufficient to establish a diagnosis.

Collect blood cultures 20 minutes apart. If patient is too ill to wait 20 minutes, prior to administering antibiotics, collect the first set from one site and the second from a different site.

Please provide clinical details. Extended incubation is required for query endocarditis, brucellosis or fungal infection

Transport at room temperature

Add 1 - 3mL of blood to a single aerobic paediatric bottle.

For patients with suspected bacterial endocarditis, 2 to 3 sets taken at different times should be sufficient to establish a diagnosis.

If multiple sets required, collect blood cultures 20 minutes apart. If patient is too ill to wait 20 minutes, prior to administering antibiotics, collect the first set from one site and the second from a different site.

Please provide clinical details. Extended incubation is required for query endocarditis, brucellosis or fungal infection

Transport at room temperature