Performing a blood culture is a critical diagnostic procedure used to identify the presence of microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, in the bloodstream.
Material needed for blood culture
- Sterile blood culture bottles (aerobic and anaerobic)
- Antiseptic solution (e.g., chlorhexidine or povidone-iodine)
- Sterile gloves
- Skin preparation kit (containing sterile towels, drapes, and adhesive dressing)
- Blood culture collection set with a butterfly needle
- A syringe or vacuum collection system
- Bandages
Blood culture procedure steps
- Gather all necessary materials including culture bottles, bandages, and antiseptic solution.
- Wash hands thoroughly and wear sterile gloves.
- Place the patient in a comfortable and appropriate position.
- Select the appropriate venipuncture site, typically the antecubital fossa.
- Cleanse the site using an antiseptic solution, starting from the center and moving outward in a circular motion. Allow the site to air dry.
- Perform venipuncture using a sterile technique.
- Fill the aerobic blood culture bottle first and then the anaerobic bottle if required. ( Invert the bottles several times to mix the blood with the culture medium) .
- Label each blood culture bottle with the patient’s name, date, and time of collection.
- Apply a sterile adhesive dressing over the venipuncture site.
- Place the labeled blood culture bottles in a biohazard bag for transport to the microbiology laboratory and ensure delivery of the culture bottles on time.