Blood culture
| Category | Microbiology |
|---|---|
| Sample & container required | Aseptically-collected venous blood samples. Adult set: 5-10 mL/bottle BACTEC FX (aerobic and anaerobic bottles); Paediatric set: 2-5 mL in single BACTEC FX paediatric bottle Do not cover blood culture bottle bar code. |
| Transport storage | Transport to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection. |
| Turnaround time | 6 days for routine cultures; 14 days for extended cultures if clinically indicated (eg. endocarditis) |
| Notes | Samples may be referred to external reference centres for further investigation. Refer to guidance in blood culture packs and see blood culture training and guidance. |