Bloodstream Infections

This week we discussed bloodstream infections and proper techniques used to isolate organisms from a blood culture bottle. The link below is an article published in the New York Times Health Guide from 2009. It is interesting that the newspaper would publish this, and suggests that there is an interest and need for public awareness. Also, notice the terminology and definitions used in the article, it will probably make you feel like a pro!

We also started discussing CSF and sterile fluids. Both blood and CSF are sterile fluids and therefore no bacteria should be found in them. It is important to remember not to refrigerate the specimen and to always use proper techniques to prevent contamination and the need for a recollect. It is imperative that the collection and storage of specimens be correct, as many of the patients these specimens are coming from are very ill. Meningitis is a situation where CSF would be collected and examined for bacteria or viruses. The causative agents associated with bacterial meningitis were discussed in more detail than viruses.


(The fire drill today was a first experience for me in a university setting!!)

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/test/blood-culture/overview.html