[Microbiological diagnosis of sepsis]

The detection of microorganisms responsible for septicemia from blood and their susceptibility testing against antimicrobial agents is the main requirement to treat this life threatening infection. The sample of specimens, their transport and the handling of blood cultures in the microbiological laboratory are really important, e.g. the number of blood cultures needed, the proper interval between these cultures, the volume of blood cultures and the use of sterile techniques. Recommendations are given for this important management. Conventional methods for blood cultures as well as new automatically working techniques are described.