Test directory: Blood Culture

Ordering Code619
Test NameBlood Culture
Preferred SpecimenBlood
Preferred ContainerBacT/ALERT blood culture bottles (Aerobic & Anaerobic for adults, Pediatric for pediatric)
Other Specimen/ContainerWhole Blood in SPS tubes or Bactec standard aerobic, anaerobic or peds glass culture bottles
Optimum VolumeAdult: BacT/Alert bottles: 10 mL, Bactec aerobic: 10 mL, Bactec anaerobic: 7 mL
Pediatric: BacT/Alert bottles: 4 mL, Bactec bottle: 3 mL
Collection InstructionsClean with 70% isopropyl or ethyl alcohol. Follow with 2% iodine, allow to remain on the site for two minutes
If patient is allergic to iodine, double swab with alcohol and allow to air dry
It is strongly recommended both aerobic and anaerobic bottles are submitted for optimal organism recovery.
Transport RequirementsOahu: Ambient
Airline: Ambient
Specimen StabilityAmbient: BacT/Alert bottles: 1 Day Bactect bottles: 2 Days
Rejection CriteriaFrozen, refrigerated, exposed to excessive heat, Defective or damaged bottle(s)
While not optimal, receipt of blood culture bottles beyond stability will be tested and reported with a disclaimer.
Avail. StatNO
Analytic Time5 Days
Final report upon positive isolation or at 5 days (when no growth).
MethodologyDetection of increases of CO2 production by the growth of microorganisms.

Reference range(s)

The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of April 20, 2024.
ComponentAgeMale NormMale Critical LowMale Critical HighFemale NormFemale Critical HighFemale Critical LowUnitsAdd'l info
Source:ALLSee report.
Status:ALLSee report.
Culture:ALLSee report.