Investigation Name:Blood Cultures

Pathology Laboratory:Microbiology Ext 88257

Requestable Seperately?No

Tests in Profile:Culture & Sensitivity

E-Requesting Tab:Microbiology -> Blood Cultures

Units:N/A

Minimum Sample Volume:4ml - paeds,
10ml per bottle (adult)

Expected Turnaround Time:48hr

Test Code:BCA

Sample Type:

Maximum Add on Time:n/a

Complex Reference Range:Initial report at 36 hours (paediatrics) or 48 hours (adults). Final report after 5 days incubation. All positives are notified to the requesting clinicians the same day. Positive bottles will have a Gram result available that same day. Culture identification will be available the next day and sensitivities the day after.

Collection Conditions / Other Information:Please take blood cultures according to the method outlined in the training video available on the intranet mandatory training website.
Please transport blood cultures immediately to the laboratory without refrigeration of incubation.
Paediatric broths (yellow cap broth- image not displayed above) are available for inoculation where sample is <5ml (e.g. children). Sterile body fluids may be inoculated into either a standard set or single paed broth, depending on volume, but they must NOT be requested as a blood culture.

Referred to Another Laboratory?No