Multidisciplinary Team Review of Best Practices for Collection and Handling of Blood Cultures to Determine Effective Interventions for Increasing the Yield of True-Positive Bacteremia

• Skin, however, cannot be sterilized during antisepsis procedures because approximately 20% of bacteria are imbedded within deep layers of the epidermis and dermis.
• Blood cultures should be obtained prior to starting antibiotic therapy to optimize the recovery of pathogens.
• Estimated up to 50% of all blood cultures originate in the ED. Crowding in EDs is correlated with higher rates.
• Improper collection of blood cultures is associated with suboptimal treatment of patients, increased financial burdens, and potential over-reporting of CLABSI.
• Costs of a false positive blood culture range from $4500-$10,000.

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