Question

You have orders to obtain blood cultures x2. You have finished the procedure for on site but cannot use the other arm for the second site. What should you do?

Answer 1

Answer: The detection of microorganisms in a patient’s blood has diagnostic and prognostic importance.
Blood cultures are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of the etiologic agents of sepsis.
Bacterial sepsis constitutes one of the most serious infectious diseases and, therefore, the
expeditious detection and identification of bloodborne bacterial pathogens is an important
function of the diagnostic microbiology laboratory.

1.Cleanse the site for venipuncture using ChloraPrep by applying to the center of
site and moving outward in concentric circles. Allow to dry for 30 seconds.
2. The site for venipuncture should not be touched after cleansing.
3. Before inoculating the bottle, remove the flip-off cap and observe bottle for any
defects or contamination. Swab the bottle septum with an alcohol wipe, do not
allow the bottle top to touch bedding, patient, etc after removing the top.
4. The draw may be performed with either a needle and syringe or with a butterfly and hub.