A Comprehensive Update on the Problem of Blood Culture Contamination and a Discussion of Methods for Addressing the Problem

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• Multiple studies show an increased use of unnecessary antibiotics with Blood Culture Contamination (BCCs) (34-41% of patients) for approximately ~7 days after the contamination.
• BCCs result in delays in obtaining the correct diagnosis and initiating appropriate therapy.
• All six of the cohort studies evaluated demonstrate consistently increased hospital costs or charges associated with blood culture contamination.
• The authors conclude, “It is our opinion, however, that overall institutional rates of < 1% are now achievable, and therefore, consideration should be given to the establishment of a new universal threshold value of < 1%.”

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