Specimen Collection Instructions

Collection Instructions: Collect specimen as follows:

• 1. Sterilize tops of bottles with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

• 2. Apply tourniquet to patient’s arm.

• 3. Palpate area to locate vein.

• 4. Thoroughly cleanse venipuncture site with ChloraPrep® applicator moving in concentric circles to periphery. Do not palpate vein after sterilizing area. If site must be touched during venipuncture, disinfect gloved finger. Allow to dry.

• 5. Using a syringe or butterfly collection kit for direct inoculation, draw blood into each BacT Alert® bottle.

Note:

• 1. Label bottles with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), medical record number (if appropriate), date of birth, date and time of specimen collection and collectors initials and/or ID number.

• 2.This test code is ordered for patients who have received antibiotic therapy within the last 48 hours.

• 3. Every attempt should be made to obtain the requested volume for each blood culture ordered. Blood cultures will not be rejected for inadequate volume if visible blood is present in the blood culture botte.