Whole blood collected in two separate BD Bactec Blood. Culture Bottles (BCB): 1 aerobic BD Bactec BCB with 1-3 mL whole blood added to bottle and 1 anaerobic BD Bactec BCB with 8-10 mL whole blood added to bottle.
Test Description
Aerobic and Anaerobic Blood Culture
This test is utilized when bacteremia is suspected. Submit a single sample in two separate BACTEC bottles as required for aerobic and anaerobic culture.
Interferences: Prior to culture submission, patient should be off antibiotics for seven to ten days.
Note: Submit two BACTEC culture bottles (pink label and gold label). 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 BacTec Peds Plus pink cap/strip bottle. Anaerobic blood culture bottles with orange cap/gold strip require 3‑10 mL of blood. Don’t unscrew caps on bottles. Remove the protective top and wipe visible parts of the rubber stopper with 70% ethanol. Allow stopper to dry or wipe with sterile gauze. Replace the drawing needle with a sterile needle before puncturing the rubber stopper, fill until the vacuum stops, then gently invert the bottle to mix. Anticoagulants in the media will prevent blood from clotting.