Collection of blood for blood cultures

This procedure describes how to collect blood for blood cultures using the BacT/ALERT® system (bioMérieux, Marcy-L’Etoile, France) or the BD BACTEC™ system (Becton Dickinson, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA). The procedure can be adapted for other blood culture systems if required.

Attention:

If you are collecting blood for blood cultures in neonates, it is important to use an open system, to prevent the veins from collapsing during sampling. For more information (video and review document) click here.

Video(s)

Collection of blood for blood cultures: In adults by venepucture

Collection of blood for blood cultures: In adults using a catheter

Files

SOP Collection of blood for blood cultures Good practices for blood collection Indications for blood culture sampling Indications for blood culture sampling in neonates Request form blood culture Preference for butterfly needles for closed system blood culture sampling Checklist for blood culture sampling: venepuncture – closed system Checklist for blood culture sampling: catheter insertion – closed system Checklist for blood culture sampling: venepuncture – open system Checklist for blood culture sampling: catheter insertion – open system