Blood Culture Protocols/Lipid Reports
PROTOCOL FOR BLOOD CULTURES IN SUSPECTED BACTERAEMIAWith the optimisation of blood culture techniques [including formulation of the media and detection methods] the main determinant of the sensitivity of blood cultures in detecting bacteraemia relates to the volume of blood analysed. Ideally, three sets of blood cultures [60mls of blood] should be collected from at least two venepuncture sites to allow subsequent interpretation of a positive blood culture result [may be helpful in differentiating contamination at collection].In the past our policy has been to take three sets of blood cultures within a 24 hour period unless otherwise specified by the referring clinician. In consultation with clinical microbiologists and clinicians it has been decided to change this policy to the following:? Requests for “BLOOD CULTURES” will mean that three sets of blood cultures [unless otherwise specified] will be collected from two different venepuncture sites immediately.
LIPID REPORTS
As some practitioners use the calculated ratio of total cholesterol / HDL-cholesterol [C/HDL-C] in algorithms for risk stratification in cardiovascular disease this ratio will now appear [without reference to interpretation] on lipid reports.If you require any further information or assistance on these and other matters please do not hesitate to contact one of the Pathologists or the Practice Manager on 63 34 3636.