Today is our topic of discussion is Blood Culture .
Blood Culture
BLOOD CULTURE
Collection of blood for blood culture is a sterile procedure. Surgical (Scrub) preparation and techniques are used in collection, storage, transport of blood sample.
Purpose
- To detect the microorganism.
- To treat the disease condition with correct antibiotics.
- To detect the right antibiotic to kill the particular microorganisms.
- When the patient has chills or a temperature hike.
General Instructions
- Special type of culture bottles are used for blood culture sample collection.
- All blood culture bottles should be carefully examined for clarity of media, any medium showing turbidity should not be used .
- Only disposable syringes and needles should be used for collection of blood .
- The top of the bottle must be carefully disinfected (with 70% alcohol) just before the bottle is inoculated.
- Blood should never be taken from an IV line or above the IV line.
- If blood culture bottles are available, blood should be immediately added to the culture medium (broth).
- If blood culture bottles are not available blood may be transported in a sterile tube containing a sterile anticoagulant solution
- The amount of blood collected is 10 ml. for adult, 2-5 mL for children and 1-2 mL for infants and neonates .
- Blood for culture should be taken before antibiotics are administered.
Preliminary Assessment
- Check
- The doctors order for specific instructions
- General condition and diagnosis of the patient
- Mental status to follow instruction
- Self-care ability of the patient .
- Articles available in the unit such as culture bottles, etc
Preparation of the Patient and Environment
- Explain the procedure to the patient
- Arrange the articles at the bedside
Procedure
- Choose the vein to be drawn by touching the skin before it has been disinfected
- Cleanse the skin over the venipuncture site in a circle approximately 5 cm in diameter with 70% alcohol.
- rubbing vigorously Starting in the center of the circle, apply 2% lodine (or povidone iodine)
- Allow the iodine to remain on the skin for at least 1 minute.
- Inset the needle into the vein and withdraw blood.
- After the needle has been removed, the site should be cleaned with 70% alcohol again.
- Apply gentle pressure with cotton ball over the punctured site.
- Transfer the blood in the syringe in to the culture bottles.
After Care
- Clean the culture bottle led with spirit swab.
- Insert the needle and pour blood into culture bottle.
- Mix the solution and blood gently by moving sideways.
- Label the culture bottles and send immediately to thelaboratories.
- Replace the articles after cleaning.
- Remove the gloves and wash hands thoroughly.
- Record the procedure in the nurse’s record sheet.
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