importance of bloodstream infections

Question 1

why is a serology test done and does it take a long time

Answer 1

• for detection of antibody production in blood
• mostly for detecting viruses, bacterias/parasites
• takes time! antibody takes time to develop

Question 2

s/s of septicaemia

Answer 2

HR >90/min
RR >20/min
pyrexia (>38C) or hypothermia (<36C)
raised WBC > 12000 or leukopenia WBC <4000 (normal WBC 4500-11000)

Question 3

sample collection for blood culture for bacteraemia or sepitcaemia

Answer 3

2 sets of ONE PAIR of 10ml bottle each- aerobic and anaerobic (total 4 bottles)

Question 4

sample collection for blood culture for bacteraemia or sepitcaemia LINE associated

Answer 4

blood cultures taken from line AND peripheral vein
- grow both cultures to confirm bacteria

Question 5

which pathogen should you worry about seeding or metastatic infections

Answer 5

staph aureus and candida

Question 6

what samples to send for endocarditis

Answer 6

3 sets of blood culture - 10ml each BEFORE antibiotics!

Question 7

treatment of endocardititis

Answer 7

WEEKS of iv antibiotics
valve surgery if HF, uncontrolled infections

Question 8

what pathogen causes endocarditis

Answer 8

staph aureus