Whole blood collected in BD Bactec Blood Culture Bottle (BCB) with 1-3 mL whole blood added to bottle.
Test Description
Recommended when bacteremia with an aerobic organism is suspected. Submit a single sample in a BACTEC bottle.
Interferences: Antibiotics.
Note: Submit in BACTEC aerobic culture bottle. Clip fur and scrub venipuncture site for aseptic collection. Aim to collect 1.0 mL for cats and small dogs, 2‑3 mL for larger dogs to be inoculated into 20 mL bottle. Don’t unscrew caps on bottles. Remove the protective top and wipe visible parts of the rubber stopper with 70% ethanol. Allow stopper to air dry or wipe with sterile gauze. Replace the drawing needle with a sterile needle before puncturing the rubber stopper, fill until vacuum stops, then gently invert the bottle to mix. Anticoagulants in the media will prevent blood from clotting.