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| Title | CULTURE, BLOOD |
| Specimen Requirement | <p>Obtain 2-3 blood culture sets. Collecting a single set is not recommended. One set will provide insufficient blood volume for the detection of some infections. Obtain blood samples using a syringe or butterfly. Inoculate 1 aerobic bottle (TSB) with 15-20 mL of blood and 1 anaerobic bottle (Thioglycollate broth) with 15-20 mL of blood. Do not vent the vials. Store specimens at room temperature. For pediatric patients, call laboratory for instructions.</p> |
| Methodology | Conventional culture technique. |
| Stability | Do not refrigerate of freeze, do not pre-incubate bottles prior to shipment. |
| Reference Range | By Report. |
| Turnaround | 5-6 days |
| Clinical Use | <p>Aids in the diagnosis of septicemia, endocarditis, fever of unknown origin, and sepsis.</p> |
| Test Code | BLCUL |
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