Blood culture procedure, bottles

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.