Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Preparation of a Blood Culture Pellet for Rapid Bacterial Identification and Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
Published on: October 15, 2014
Reducing Blood Culture Contaminations in the Emergency Department: It Takes a Team
Constance M Bowen1, Tracy Coleman1, Deborah Cunningham1
1Stratford; Cherry Hill, NJ.
Unlabelled:
Healthcare providers rely heavily on blood culture results for developing the patient's plan of care. Contaminated blood cultures can lead to unnecessary treatment, unnecessary hospitalization, and an increase in the patient's length of stay. There was a significant increase in our monthly blood culture contamination rates, over a 3 month period of time, which exceeded a recommended standard of <3%, as high as 4.35%. Given the negative impact this could have on patient outcomes, a quality improvement project was developed in order to ensure delivery of the highest quality of care.
Methods:
We reviewed the literature to identify best practices related to blood culture specimen collection and incorporated strategies that proved to be effective in overcoming barriers similar to ours. We also used strategies that were tailored to meet our specific needs. Our plan included targeting environmental and skin contaminates, teamwork, education and feedback.
Results:
During the 8 week pilot, the monthly contamination rates were 1.96% and 0.3%, respectively. Subsequent data over 1 year revealed the contamination rates ranged from 0.2% to 1.51%, with a mean of 0.87%.
Discussion:
The results show that reducing blood culture contamination rates through the use of a structured plan and teamwork is feasible in the fast-paced emergency department. The commitment from our team was considered the most valuable asset and strategy. Developing a plan that is evidence-based and feasible in the fast paced Emergency Department can help ensure the delivery of high quality care.
Insights
Implementing a structured quality improvement project significantly reduced blood culture contamination rates in the emergency department. This initiative ensured higher quality patient care by minimizing unnecessary treatments and hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Blood culture results are critical for patient care decisions.
- Elevated contamination rates (up to 4.35%) negatively impact patient outcomes, leading to unnecessary treatments and extended hospital stays.
- A quality improvement project was initiated to address rising contamination rates exceeding the <3% standard.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reduce blood culture contamination rates in a fast-paced emergency department setting.
- To implement evidence-based strategies to improve specimen collection practices.
- To ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care through accurate diagnostic testing.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to identify best practices for blood culture specimen collection.
- Implementation of tailored strategies targeting environmental and skin contaminants.
- Focus on teamwork, comprehensive education, and consistent feedback mechanisms.
Main Results:
- During an 8-week pilot, contamination rates decreased to 1.96% and 0.3%.
- Over one year, contamination rates consistently ranged from 0.2% to 1.51%.
- The average contamination rate achieved was 0.87%.
Conclusions:
- Reducing blood culture contamination is feasible in busy emergency departments using a structured, evidence-based plan.
- Team commitment and collaboration were key factors in the project's success.
- This quality improvement initiative demonstrates a successful approach to enhancing patient care through accurate blood cultures.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:20Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
01:19Key Techniques in Microbiology
01:24Automated Microbial Diagnostics