Blood Culture

Question 1

How many sets of blood cultures are typically collected during the procedure?

Answer 1

• 2-3 sets are usually collected, but in real life, it’s often 2 sets.

Question 2

When should blood cultures be collected?

Answer 2

• Blood cultures should be collected during the acute phase or when the patient has a peak fever.

Question 3

How are blood cultures collected in terms of the arms used?

Answer 3

• Both arms are used for collection, with a 1-hour interval between collections.

Question 4

Why are 2 sets needed for blood cultures?

Answer 4

• Two sets are needed, one for aerobic culture and one for anaerobic culture.

Question 5

In emergency cases, what is the maximum volume allowed for a one-time blood culture collection?

Answer 5

• In emergency cases, a one-time collection of up to 40ml is allowed.

Question 6

How much blood should be collected for an adult blood culture?

Answer 6

• An adult blood culture typically requires the collection of more than 20 ml of blood.

Question 7

What is the recommended blood volume for pediatric patients when collecting blood for a culture?

Answer 7

• Pediatric patients should have 1-10 ml of blood collected for a blood culture, depending on their age and weight.

Question 8

How much blood is typically collected for a blood culture in infants?

Answer 8

• Infants usually require the collection of 0.5-1.0 ml of blood for a blood culture.

Question 9

What is the disadvantage of using 0.025% SPS as an anticoagulant for blood cultures, and what is the suggested remedy for this issue?

Answer 9

• Is that it inhibits other bacteria such as NEISSERIA and G. vaginalis
• To remedy this, you can add 1 percent gelatin.

Question 10

Is a blood culture suitable for bacterial culture when using EDTA and citrate?

Answer 10

• No, blood culture is not suitable for bacterial culture when using EDTA and citrate as anticoagulants.

Question 11

What type of tube is used for blood culture with EDTA if PCR/molecular testing is required?

Answer 11

• A white top tube with EDTA is used for blood culture when PCR/molecular testing is needed.

Question 12

Which media are commonly used for blood culture in the laboratory setting?

Answer 12

• The media commonly used for blood culture are:
1. TSB- brucella broth
2. Castaneda bottle- brucella; BIPHASIC MEDIA which is liquid and solid media
3. BHI
4. BRUCELLA
5. BROTH