The prompt and accurate detection of bacteremia and fungemia is one of the most important functions of clinical microbiology laboratories. Guidelines for the collection, processing, and interpretation of blood cultures are needed so that laboratories and providers use optimal laboratory methods for recovering specific pathogens, interpret the results correctly, and help control healthcare costs.
In response to this need, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) has recently published a new document, Principles and Procedures for Blood Cultures; Approved Guideline (M47-A). “The blood culture is among the most important tests performed by laboratories. These CLSI guidelines will help providers and laboratorians develop standardized practices for blood cultures that are based on the most current scientific and medical information,” says Michael L. Wilson, MD, Denver Health Medical Center.
This document provides recommendations for the collection, transport, and processing of blood cultures, as well as guidance for the recovery of pathogens from blood specimens taken from patients who are suspected of having bacteremia or fungemia. Included in the guideline are recommendations for:
the clinical importance of blood cultures;
specimen collection and transportation;
critical factors in the recovery of pathogens from blood specimens;
special topics, including pediatric blood cultures, catheter-related bloodstream infections, infective endocarditis, patients receiving antimicrobial therapy, rare and fastidious pathogens, and test of cure;
reporting results;
interpreting blood culture results;
safety issues; and
quality assurance.
This guideline is intended to provide guidance to clinical microbiologists and other laboratorians (e.g., pathologists, laboratory supervisors, laboratory managers) for the recovery of pathogens from blood specimens taken from patients who are suspected of having bacteremia or fungemia.
For additional information on CLSI or for further information regarding this release, visit our website at http://www.clsi.org or call +610.688.0100.
CLSI is a global, nonprofit, membership-based organization dedicated to developing standards and guidelines for the healthcare and medical testing community. CLSI’s unique consensus process facilitates the creation of standards and guidelines that are reliable, practical, and achievable for an effective quality system.
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