Blood Culture

If a bottle flags positive, it is removed from the incubator and a microscopy and plate culture (to allow identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing) will be performed.

Guidance on how to take blood cultures is available on the OUH Clinical Intranet.

Blood culture bottles can be collected / ordered from Microbiology - please call.

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 220874

Sample type

Blood

Specimen requirements

Adults - inoculate both a Bactec Plus Aerobic/F bottle and a Bactec Lytic 10 Anaerobic/F bottle

Paediatrics - inoculate a Bactec PEDS Plus/F bottle

It is important that the sender makes clear to the laboratory the site of collection of the blood sample (i.e. peripheral stab or from a long line) and if the sample is from a high risk patient.

Samples should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within four hours of collection. If transport will be delayed, do not store in a refrigerator.

Minimum volume

Adults - 8-10ml per bottle

Paediatrics - 1-3ml

Frequency of test

24/7

Turnaround time

For a negative culture - 5 days

What to request on EPR

Blood culture MCS