Gram stain interpretation of blood cultures

Bacteremia without an obvious focus of infection occurs relatively frequently in highly febrile children between the ages of six and 24 months. Management depends on the clinical situation and probable identity of the bacteria. A year-long study to determine the accuracy of differentiating gram-positive cocci morphologically on the Gram-stained smear of a blood culture demonstrated that streptococci and staphylococci can be distinguished when Gram staining is the procedure used by the laboratory. From such a preliminary report, the bacteremia can be evaluated in the context of the clinical situation and appropriate action can be taken.