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Blood Culture (BLDC)

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EPIC Test Name

Blood Culture

EPIC Code

LAB462

Specimen Requirements

Blood
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

SpecimenTurnaround TimeFrequency
BloodPreliminary 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
Microbiology - Downtown

Test Includes

Culture

CPT

87040, 87154

LOINC

600-7

Contact Information

Microbiology - Downtown: (315)464-6800
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