Simple measures to reduce the rate of contamination of blood cultures in Accident and Emergency

Emerg Med J. 2005 Nov;22(11):810-1. doi: 10.1136/emj.2005.003079.

Abstract

Objectives: To reduce the contamination rate of blood cultures taken in the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department.

Methods: The standard blood culture sampling kit was supplemented with an instruction sheet on the optimal method for drawing blood cultures and a large 62% ethyl alcohol impregnated wipe.

Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of contaminants (p = 0.03).

Conclusions: Simple measures to encourage skin disinfection and appropriate sampling technique will reduce the incidence of contamination of blood cultures in the A&E department.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / therapeutic use
  • Blood Specimen Collection / methods*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital*
  • Equipment Contamination / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control / methods*
  • Pamphlets

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local