SPECIMEN COLLECTION REQUIREMENTS

Collection Instructions:  Check to see if patient is allergic to iodine prior to collection.

Preferred Specimen (Adults and Pediatric patients weighing more than 30 pounds):

20mL blood (10mL in a PLUS Aerobic/F blood culture bottle and 10mL in a PLUS Anaerobic/F blood culture bottle) 

Preferred Specimen (Pediatric patients less than 30 pounds):

3mL blood in a single PEDS PLUS/F aerobic blood culture bottle.

Procedure:

1.  Scrub venipuncture site with 70% alcohol for 30 seconds.

2.  Disinfect with iodine:  Apply by beginning at the intended venipuncture site, working in a circular motion with friction, covering an area 2-3 inches in diameter. Allow to air-dry (at least 30 seconds).

For patients over 2 months of age who are hypersensitive to iodine, use ChloraPrep sponge in place of PERSIST for disinfection. Squeeze applicator tabs together to release chlorhexidine solution. Use repeated back and forth strokes with friction for at least 30 seconds. Disinfected area should be completely wet. Allow to air dry completely (at least 30 seconds).

Do not touch this disinfected area after disinfection unless palpation is absolutely necessary.

3.  If palpation is necessary, disinfect gloved fingers with PERSIST or ChloraPrep in a similar manner.

4. Remove caps from blood culture bottles. Wipe tops with alcohol swab and allow to air-dry completely. Mark blood culture bottle labels at desired fill point (10 ml for adults and children weighing greater than or equal to 30 pounds, 1-3 ml for children weighing less than 30 pounds). 

5.  Assemble butterfly-vacutainer collection device. Alternatively, it may be necessary to use a syringe and needle.

6.  Perform aseptic venipuncture, hold wings of butterfly in place with tape push and hold vacutainer holder over an upright aerobic blood bottle to puncture septum. Collect blood to desired fill level. Remove holder from bottle and immediately push and hold holder onto anaerobic blood culture bottle. Fill aerobic or pediatric bottles first in case an insufficient volume of blood is collected.

7.  Terminate venipuncture and dispose of collection materials according to standard procedures.

Reporting TAT:  Preliminary report issued at 2 days or if growth is detected.  Negative report issued at 5 days.