STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR BLOOD CULTURE

1. SPECIMEN:

1. Blood culture bottle with BHI broth. This bottle has screw cap having central hole which is covered with adhesive tape. Check the washer.

2. CULTURE MEDIA:

1. Blood Agar (BA)
2. MacConkey Agar (MA)

3. PROCEDURE:

On Receipt :-

Kept in the incubator 37C. (Note- On special request, a smear from the culture can be made if growth is suspected on receipt of the sample.)

24 hours- sample culture done on Blood Agar and MacConkey Agar. If negative

48 hours- sample culture done similarly.

10 days - Final sample culture on BA and MA in case of positive cultures proceed for identification and

antibiotic sensitivity report.

Cultures observed -3 weeks in Infective Endocarditis patients where more than one sample is received

Preliminary Report

Wherever a growth of suspected pathogen is detected, it should be communicated. In case of suspected contaminated sample e.g. ASB or more than 3 types of bacteria, diphtheroids, or Coag Neg Staph a repeat sample should be requested. If Salmonella is suspected slide agglutination done and reported.

Final Report

48 hours if no growth is suspected. In case of positive cultures. The final report with identification and sensitivity is dispatched.

Additional Report

The report after 10 days and 3 weeks is sent only if positive for suspected pathogenic bacteria