Specimen Stability (for laboratory use only)
Collection Container
Aerobic blood bottle
Service Code:
Service code pending
Collection Instructions:
It is recommended to take two sets of blood cultures, each from different sites to maximise the chance of isolating any pathogens.
Note: For routine cultures, collectors to ensure bottles are at least 5 days from expiration before specimen collection.
Note: For blood cultures requiring extended incubation (for slow growing organisms), collectors to ensure the bottles are at least 14 days from expiration before specimen collection.
1. Refer to HP-LAB-GEN-001 ‘Policy on venepuncture’ for collection of blood specimen.
2. Collect blood into the aerobic and anaerobic bottles.
3. Gently invert the tube 8 - 10 times.
2. Send specimen to the laboratory immediately.
NOTE: Underfilled blood culture bottles may affect results.
Unacceptable Conditions:
N.A.
Specimen Stability:
Ambient
4 hours
Refrigerate
Frozen
Reflex Tests:
N.A.
Performance
Turn Around Time:
5 days
Days Test Performed:
Testing Laboratory:
Woodlands Hospital Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical Microbiology
Clinical & Interpretative
Description:
Methodology:
Automated blood culture system, conventional subculture of positive bottles
Reference Interval:
No growth after 5 days incubation
Critical Values:
Requesting clinician/location will be informed of positive gram stain result
