Purpose
To standardize processing and culture of blood culture.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Recovery of microorganisms from blood depends on appropriate aseptic collection, adequate specimen volume as specified by the validated system, prompt incubation and appropriate investigation of positive signals.
Specimen / Test Material
Blood collected aseptically into validated blood-culture bottles or systems.
Equipment and Materials
- Appropriate validated culture media
- Inoculating equipment
- Incubation system
- Identification reagents or system
- AST materials where indicated
Procedure
- Verify patient identity and request.
- Perform collection using strict aseptic technique and the approved blood-culture collection process.
- Inoculate the correct validated culture bottle(s).
- Label and transport promptly.
- Incubate and monitor using the validated culture system.
- Process positive cultures using approved identification and AST workflows.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Monitor contamination rates, culture-system QC and investigation of positive signals.
Reporting
Report clinically significant findings, relevant negative results and limitations according to laboratory policy.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.