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HelpTest Code 8884 Culture (Blood)
Purpose
Detecting bacterial infections present in the bloodstream.
Performing Laboratory
Copley Hospital
Methodology
BacT/ALERT Blood Culture System (Positive bottles are gram stained, subcultured and micro-
organisms recovered are identified by conventional techniques.)
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Blood
Container/Tube: BacT/ALERT collection bottles
Volume: Adults: use a 2-bottle set (aerobic & anaerobic), 10 mL of blood per bottle. Children < 10 yrs: use a pediatric bottle, 1 mL to 4 mL of blood per draw.
Collection Instructions:
1. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth, date & time
of collection, location of draw site and name of phlebotomist.
2. Refer to "Blood Culture Collection" in the lefthand menu.
Reference Values
Normal: No Growth
Critical: Pathogen Detected
Stability
Room Temperature: 2 Hours
Day(s) Performed
Daily
Analytical Time: 5 Days
Aliases
Blood Culture
Bacteremia
Test Classification & CPT Coding
87040