This query is derived from the journal by Kasarla, and Pathak (2023) about specimen management in diagnostic microbiology. Written on the journal is how common blood culture and urine culture contamination because of septic complications. To attain optimal culture specimen for testing, are there any protocols that must be followed that may eradicate circumstances leading to contamination of blood and urine culture?
According to Sinawe and Casadesus (2023), suprapubic collection is the best method to avoid specimen contamination with bacteria with regards to urine culture. In preserving and processing the urine specimen, the use of boric acid solution or refrigeration for up to 24 hours is enough to adequately preserve the said sample. However, common gram-negative organisms that can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) were observed to be inhibited by the use of boric acid as a storage medium, with that being said, the use of refrigeration must be prioritized and the storage medium that will be used must also be taken in consideration.
As for the blood culture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost all blood culture contamination occurs during collection with the patient's skin or the cannula of an indwelling catheter being the most common source of contamination. According to Doern, et.al (2020) as cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are certain actions to prevent contamination in blood culture procedures. The medical professional collecting the blood specimen for blood culture must take note of the following:
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020). Blood Culture Contamination: An Overview for Infection Control and Antibiotic Stewardship Programs Working with the Clinical Laboratory. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/core-elements/pdfs/fs-bloodculture-508.pdf
- Doern, G., et al. (2020). A Comprehensive Update on the Problem of Blood Culture Contamination and a Discussion of Methods for Addressing the Problem. doi: https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00009-19
- Sinawe, H., Casadesus, D. (2023). Urine Culture. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557569/
The protocols for preventing blood and urine culture contamination involve several key steps: Hand Hygiene and Glove Use, Skin Antisepsis, Sterile Equipment Proper Collection Technique, Disinfect Sampling Ports, Labeling and Transport, Education and Training, and Prevention. quality Control: Implement quality control measures in the laboratory to monitor for contamination. Monitoring and Feedback, Regularly monitor contamination rates and provide feedback to staff to reinforce best practices.
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