HSE National Clinical Guideline
Irish Guideline for the Investigation of Blood Culture Samples
Topic:
Blood culture
Document Owner:
Clinical design & innovation
National Group:
National clinical programme pathology
Effective From: 01 October 2021
To recommend the optimal turnaround time TATs for the handling, processing, and reporting of blood culture samples which reflect the clinical needs of the patient.
The detection of microorganisms in blood using automated blood culture systems continues to be the gold standard in bloodstream infection (BSI) diagnosis. Techniques which allow for the direct detection of microorganisms in blood are not routinely used in Irish laboratories. BSIs are common in Irish communities and hospitals.