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A new interesting article has been published in Clin Chem Lab Med. 2019 Jul 26. pii: /j/cclm.ahead-of-print/cclm-2018-1146/cclm-2018-1146.xml. doi: 10.1515/cclm-2018-1146. and titled:

Collection, transport and storage procedures for blood culture specimens in adult patients: recommendations from a board of Italian experts.

Authors of this article are:

De Plato F, Fontana C, Gherardi G, Privitera GP, Puro V, Rigoli R, Viaggi B, Viale P.

A summary of the article is shown below:

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a potentially life-threatening condition. The gold standard for the diagnosis of BSI is still blood cultures (BCs), and the diagnostic yield depends on clinical and technical factors that have an impact on collection and transportation. Hence, monitoring of the entire pre-analytical process from blood collection to transportation to the microbiology laboratory is critical. To optimize the clinical impact of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a multidisciplinary approach and univocal protocols are mandatory. A board of specialists discussed the available evidence on the pre-analytical process and produced the present document to guide physicians and nurses on the ideal execution of BC: (1) timing and preparation for blood collection; (2) skin antisepsis; (3) blood volume; (4) sampling method and safety; (5) medium to be used; (6) time to BC transportation; and (7) quality assurance and quality management.

Check out the article’s website on Pubmed for more information:

This article is a good source of information and a good way to become familiar with topics such as: blood culture collection;blood cultures;bloodstream infections;storage;transport.