Bacteremia Flashcards
What is the definition of Bacteremia?
The presence of bacteria in the blood stream irrespective of fever or symptoms.
The term ‘bacteremia’ comes from ‘bacter’ meaning bacteria and ‘emia’ meaning in blood.
What is Sepsis?
A clinical syndrome characterized by a set of criteria that must be met, known as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) criteria.
What are the two types of Bacteremia?
- Primary Bacteremia
- Secondary Bacteremia
What defines Primary Bacteremia?
Isolation of bacteria from the blood as being the only source of that bacteria.
What defines Secondary Bacteremia?
Isolation of bacteria from the blood as well as other site(s).
What are the three types of Bacteremia based on their patterns?
- Transient
- Intermittent
- Continuous
What is Transient Bacteremia?
Common, asymptomatic bacteremia that usually lasts a couple of minutes.
What is Intermittent Bacteremia?
Most common type of significant bacteremia, often associated with extravascular sources of infection.
What is Continuous Bacteremia?
Associated with intravascular sources of infection such as endocarditis or an IV catheter.
What is the importance of early diagnosis of Bacteremia?
Early diagnosis is essential as it is associated with better clinical outcomes.
What is the key laboratory test for detecting Bacteremia?
Blood culture.
What volume of blood is recommended for each blood culture bottle?
8 mL - 10 mL.
What is the recommended number of blood culture bottles to collect?
3 - 4 bottles (2 aerobic, 2 anaerobic).
What is the significance of taking blood cultures from different sites?
It helps distinguish contaminants from true pathogens.
When should blood cultures be taken in relation to antibiotic initiation?
Before antibiotic initiation.
What is the collection volume for pediatric patients weighing less than 35 lbs?
Two bottles with 1 - 3 mLs of blood in each bottle.
What indicates that a line is colonized in the case of a LINE infection?
> 15 colonies = colonized line; < 15 colonies = skin contaminant.
What likely indicates a contaminant from blood culture results?
Not generally a virulent organism, often found in one bottle only.
What indicates a probable pathogen in blood culture results?
Same organism repeatedly at different times, usually > 1 bottle and > 1 set.
