[Comparison of 2 different blood culture systems: liquoid-BHI and hemoline performance diphasique]

The Liquoid-BHI, biphasic blood culture system, was compared with a conventional blood culture bottle (Hemoline performance diphasique) in 3125 paired blood cultures. Both systems were inoculated with equal volumes of blood (5 ml). Streptococcus spp. (P less than 0.02) and S. epidermidis (P less than 0.05) were recovered from BHI system. In contrast, P. fluorescens (P less than 0.02) were recovered in conventional system. No important differences were found for other bacteria and fungi. For optimal detection of microorganisms, however, the biphasic BHI system should be paired with conventional bottle.