Collecting Blood: Blood Cultures

Additional tips

  • Contaminated blood cultures may have very serious consequences in terms of patient care.
  • Always draw blood cultures prior to drawing other blood tubes to minimize the risk of contamination.
  • Do not draw blood cultures from a central line, unless cultures are being drawn to determine whether or not the line is contaminated.

Earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.® credits for your AMT, ASCP, or NCA recertification requirements.

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