Database for blood culture surveillance (Microsoft Excel) and preparation of packing list for the shipment of isolates to a reference laboratory and/or ITM

This procedure describes the content and management of a database using Microsoft Excel for the collection of surveillance data of antimicrobial resistance among consecutive blood culture isolates in tropical settings. The quality of the surveillance database is pivotal for correct surveillance, research projects and feedback to the laboratories at the hospital sites.
In addition, this procedure explains how to prepare a packing list from the database for the shipment of bacterial isolates from blood cultures to a reference laboratory and/or ITM.