Dear SSC, What is the SSC guideline for whether to draw a blood culture on an inpatient who develops severe sepsis during the admission who has already been receiving broadspectrum IV antibiotic? This question is for both a first time BC and for a patient who had a BC done previously. It is my understanding that when a patient develops new severe sepsis we are to follow the complete 3hour bundle regardless of whether he or she is already on IV antibiotics or whether a BC has been done already.
The repeat BC question came up during our case review today. I see in a brief online lit review, ...BC repeats account for one-third of all BCs handled in the laboratory, with little additional yield. Guidelines for repeating BCs may decrease unnecessary testing." Clin Microbiol Infect 2004; 10: 624-627. Are repeat blood cultures that are performed outside of the 3 hour bundle time not considered a fallout? Thank you in advance for your guidance and any recommended references. Regards, Kathleen Biederman, RN, MS Patient Quality & Safety Specialist
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