Overview
This lecture covers the correct procedure and priorities for drawing blood cultures, emphasizing prevention of contamination and proper order of bottle inoculation.
Blood Culture Collection Priorities
- Always scrub the venipuncture site with antiseptic for a full minute to remove skin bacteria.
- The main contamination source for blood cultures is skin bacteria.
- Use two bottles: one anaerobic (no air) and one aerobic (with air) for bacteria types.
- Use a butterfly needle so that air enters the aerobic bottle first.
- For syringes, purge air before inoculating the anaerobic bottle to prevent air entering.
- Draw 5 mL of blood per culture bottle, splitting 10 mL evenly if using a syringe.
Proper Technique and Labeling
- Remove caps and scrub each bottle top with separate alcohol pads for 10–15 seconds.
- When using a syringe, inject blood into the anaerobic bottle first, then the aerobic bottle without touching the needle.
- Safely dispose of the syringe in a sharps container after use.
- Collect samples from two different sites, usually opposite arms.
- Label each bottle with patient details, date, time, initials, and blood draw location.
- Never draw blood cultures from a line unless specifically ordered.
Prevention of Contamination
- Do not touch the cleaned puncture site before inserting the needle.
- Use a separate alcohol pad for each bottle to avoid cross-contamination.
- Never introduce air into the anaerobic bottle to avoid killing anaerobic bacteria.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Anaerobic bottle — Blood culture bottle for bacteria that cannot live in air.
- Aerobic bottle — Blood culture bottle for bacteria that require air to live.
- Venipuncture — The process of puncturing a vein for blood collection.
- Contamination — Introduction of unwanted microorganisms, often from the patient's skin.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the venipuncture video for detailed technique.
- Practice blood culture collection with strict attention to aseptic technique.
- Remember to label all bottles accurately with required information.