If a bottle flags positive, it is removed from the incubator and a microscopy and plate culture (to allow identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing) will be performed.
Guidance on how to take blood cultures is available on the OUH Clinical Intranet.
Blood culture bottles can be collected / ordered from Microbiology - please call.
Tel: +44 (0) 1865 220874
Sample type
Blood
Specimen requirements
Adults - inoculate both a Bactec Plus Aerobic/F bottle and a Bactec Lytic 10 Anaerobic/F bottle
Paediatrics - inoculate a Bactec PEDS Plus/F bottle
It is important that the sender makes clear to the laboratory the site of collection of the blood sample (i.e. peripheral stab or from a long line) and if the sample is from a high risk patient.
Samples should be transported to the laboratory as soon as possible, ideally within four hours of collection. If transport will be delayed, do not store in a refrigerator.
Minimum volume
Adults - 8-10ml per bottle
Paediatrics - 1-3ml
Frequency of test
24/7
Turnaround time
For a negative culture - 5 days
What to request on EPR
Blood culture MCS
