Resin-process methods for improved isolation of organisms from blood and other body fluids

Two resin-based processes and conventional culturing methods were compared in isolating organisms from blood specimens of patients given antimicrobial agents. Of 20 patients whose specimens were found to contain clinically relevant organisms, one or both of the resin-process methods isolated organisms in eight after conventional culturing was unsuccessful. Conventional cultures were successful in five cases in which the resin-process methods did not work, and both resin-process and conventional culturing were successful in seven cases. In eight cases in which other body fluids were cultured, only a resin-process method was successful in four, although they are intended for use only with blood specimens. Data indicate that resin-process methods should be used along with conventional culturing methods when patients have already been given an antimicrobial. A review of the literature shows that the devices improve the recovery of organisms but does not establish that detection time is decreased.