Hemoculture

General information:

A blood culture is a blood sample taken to detect viable microorganisms in the patient's blood.
Normal blood is sterile, i.e. there are no microorganisms in it. Different inflammatory foci can be a source of bacteria, which get into the blood and spread to all organs (bacteremia). Bacteremia can be transient, intermittent, or persistent. In case of physical overexertion, cooling, tooth extraction, venous manipulations, prostate massage, cystoscopy, rectoscopy, surgical removal of tonsils, etc. the so-called Transient bacteremia, in which there are microorganisms in the blood for a short time.

For infections with different localization, such as pneumonia, meningitis, abscess, etc. Microorganisms periodically enter the blood, the so-called Intermittent bacteremia.
In severe infections such as endocarditis (an inflammatory process affecting the heart), infections in the circulatory system, in the initial stage of typhoid, brucellosis, etc. bacteria are constantly present – Persistent bacteremia.

Sepsis is a condition in which there are bacteria in the blood and, at the same time, important organs are malfunctioning. Severe general condition with symptoms:

• temperature
• heartbeat
• out of breath
• leukocytosis

Indications for taking blood for blood cultures:

• Sepsis, Meningitis, Endocarditis, Osteomyelitis
• Peritonitis, Pyelonephritis, Pneumonia
• Abscess with evidence of generalization of infection
• Unclear temperature condition
• Infection related to catheterization or implantation
• Suspected systemic bacterial or fungal infection

Sample required:

Venous blood

Taking blood for blood culture is performed in certain disease states always by a medical specialist, in a laboratory or hospital.
Sterile blood culture media (aerobic and anaerobic media in a set) are used, which can be provided by the laboratory.
The manipulation requires preliminary preparation of the necessary tools, disinfection of the venipuncture site and the cap of the vial, with strict adherence to a specific algorithm.
It is recommended that at least 2 blood cultures be obtained in 24 hours, before periods of peak temperature.
It is desirable that the blood culture be taken before starting antimicrobial therapy or before taking the next dose of antibiotic.

Key words: 

Hemoculture, blood, infection