Blood culture bottles are incubated in the laboratory on an automated monitoring system. Blood cultures can assist in the diagnosis of bacterial bloodstream infections that may result in fever, sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia.
Container / Tube
Blue top aerobic & purple top anaerobic blood culture bottles.
Collection Conditions
Samples should not be refrigerated. Cultures should be incubated within 4 hours of inoculation so samples must be sent without delay. 8ml to 10ml of blood should be inoculated into each bottle of a set of two.
Availability
Processing 24/7. Positive results released to server 24/7. Clinical liaison 9:00am to 10:30pm.
Send to
Microbiology Department, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
Turnaround Time
6 days for final negative result. Interim is provided at 48 hours. Positive results may be available sooner dependent on bacterial load. Turnaround time may be increased if prolonged culture is indicated.
Additional Information
If a patient has a history of foreign travel, PUO or suspected enteric fever ensure form and bottles are labelled as Danger of Infection. Where possible take before antibiotics, during or as soon after a spike in temperature.
Blood cultures can be sent via the air tube system. If the Air tube system is not working porters should be contacted to transport Blood Cultures to specimen reception as soon as possible. If insufficient Pods are available, contact 22622 (LGI) or 65100 (SJH) to request additional carriers.
ID
3611