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Test & Collection Guide

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Blood Cultures - Children and Neonates

Ordering information:

Collect 1-3mL

Laboratory:
Microbiology
Test Code:
BMC
Specimen types:
Blood
Container types:
Blood Culture (Paediatric)Blood Culture (Paediatric)
Collection Instructions:

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

 

Paediatric Minimum Volume:
1 mL
Notes:

 Refer to Objectify Policy # 2086 Collection of Blood Cultures

Frequency:
Daily
Result Turnaround Time:
5-14 days
Laboratory Use Only

  

Accessing Results

EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.

Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.

To access Auscare, see instructions.

 

Forms & Collection Guides

Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form  

Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.

Microbiology Swab Collection Guide 
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.

Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions 

 

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