The correct collection, processing, and transportation of specimens for blood culture are key to successful clinical bacterial testing. Clinical medical staff and microbiological testing workers must give full attention.

Blood collection time: It is best to take half an hour before the patient shivers and has a fever. When the patient has a fever and then takes blood, most bacteria have already lysed and died, resulting in a decrease in the positive rate of culture; It is best to collect blood before antibacterial treatment. For patients who have already taken medication but cannot be stopped, blood should be collected before the next medication to improve the positive rate.

Frequency of blood collection: Continuous blood collection of 2-3 sets (2 bottles/set) in a short period of time (avoiding medication and fever time) can help improve the positive rate.

Blood collection volume: When the blood collection volume increases, the detection rate of pathogens also shows a linear increase. Adult blood collection volume should be inoculated with at least 20ml of double bottles;

Collection, transportation, and preservation of specimens:

It is recommended to continuously collect two to three blood specimens from different anatomical positions;

Arterial blood can not be collected for culture, but venous blood should be used;

Avoid taking blood from infusion and indwelling catheters;

Check the prepared blood culture bottle to ensure that it is a qualified bottle that has not been contaminated;

Disinfect the skin and allow the disinfectant to completely evaporate, avoiding alcohol and other disinfectants from entering the blood culture bottle;

After blood collection, it should be immediately sent for testing. If it is not possible to send for testing immediately, it should be stored at room temperature or placed in a 35-37 incubator, and cannot be placed in a refrigerator. Adsorption of antibacterial substances: Complements, proteins, enzymes, and residual antibiotics in blood and body fluids can inhibit and/or slow down bacterial growth. Blood culture bottles containing adsorbents should be used as much as possible.

Blood culture samples should be collected in both aerobic and anaerobic bottles, which can significantly improve the detection rate

Avoid missed detection of anaerobic bacteria;

Single bottle cultivation results in insufficient blood required for cultivation, making it easy to miss detection;

Double bottle culture facilitates the identification of contaminated bacteria;