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HelpTest Code LAB462 Culture, Blood, Aerobic / Anaerobic
Infectious
Specimen Type
Whole blood collected aseptically by venipuncture. Central line collections may be performed in case of suspected line infection. Collect a specimen from the line and by venipuncture.
Label bottles with source (eg. right antecubital, or PICC line).
Specimen Requirement
Blood Culture Volume Collection Guidelines:
collection volume is critical for optimal recovery
|
Age |
Optimum Total Volume |
Plus Aerobic/F |
Lytic/10 Anaerobic F |
Peds Plus/F |
|
10 years to adult |
20 ml |
10 ml |
10 ml |
NA |
|
6-10 years |
10 ml |
5 ml |
5 ml |
NA |
|
2-6 years* |
6 ml |
|
3 ml |
3 ml |
|
2 mo – 2 yr |
2 ml |
|
|
2 ml |
|
< 2 mo |
0.5 ml |
|
|
0.5 ml |
|
Max blood volume/bottle |
|
10 ml |
10 ml |
3 ml |
*Typically 1 ml per year of age, divided between 2 bottles.
Rejection Criteria
Reject if specimen container is unlabeled, broken, or leaking.
Reject for inappropriate storage or transport.
Storage and Transport
Transport cultures to the Microbiology Lab within 2 hours at room temperature.
If transport is delayed, specimens may be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours before testing.
Testing Schedule
Performed daily
Reference Range
No growth in 5 days.
Testing Department
Microbiology
Method
Virtuo Automated Blood Culture System
CPT Code
87040
Turnaround Time
Preliminary Result 24 hours
STAT Turnaround Time
Not Applicable