Specimen Requirements

Draw specimen using sterile technique. Proper disinfection of collection site is essential (growth of contaminants may occur when collection site is not disinfected properly). Complete instructions on draw via venipuncture can be found in the Huntsville Hospital Phlebotomy Manual.
1. Collection of blood through catheters is not recommended unless specimen cannot be drawn by venipuncture or unless culture is being drawn to specifically evaluate a potential catheter-related infection.
2. Proper disinfection of the draw site is essential. When drawing from a line, discard the first 5 mL to 10 mL of blood drawn and the syringe used to draw the specimen.
3. An aerobic and anaerobic blood culture bottle are inoculated.

Note:  No more than 3 sets should be collected within a 24 hour period.

4. Adults:  20 ml of blood should be collected and equally divided between each BacT Alert bottle.  If this amount cannot be obtained, a lesser amount may be used and equally divided between the bottles.  (If 5 ml or less is collected, place the entire amount in the green aerobic bottle.)

5. Pediatrics:  Collect volumes as follows:

6. Label culture bottle with patient’s information, date and actual time of collection, and site of collection.
7. Forward specimen promptly.

Note:  Maximum storage of specimen is 24 hours at ambient temperature. If culture is requested on a specimen that exceeds transport/storage requirements, culture results may be compromised (this will be noted in the report).