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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.