Comparison of a radiometric and a broth-slide system for aerobic blood culture

In a comparison of the radiometric BACTEC 460 (Johnston Laboratories) and the BCB broth slide system (Roche Diagnostics Division), the latter yielded a slightly greater number of clinically significant microorganisms, as well as contaminants, from aerobic blood cultures. These differences may reflect the larger volume of blood required for and the greater amount of manipulation associated with the BCB.