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Povroznik MD. Initial Specimen Diversion Device Utilization Mitigates Blood Culture Contamination Across Regional Community Hospital and Acute Care Facility. Am J Med Qual 2022; 37:405-412. [PMID: 35353719 PMCID: PMC9426727 DOI: 10.1097/jmq.0000000000000055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A West Virginia regional community hospital incorporated an initial specimen diversion device (ISDD) into conventional blood culture protocol with the objective to bring the hospital-wide blood culture contamination (BCC) rate from a 3.06% preintervention rate to a target performance level below 1%. Emergency department staff, laboratory phlebotomists, and nursing staff on acute-critical care floors were trained on ISDD (Steripath Gen2, Magnolia Medical Technologies, Inc., Seattle, WA) operating procedure and utilized the device for blood culture sample collection with adult patients from September 2020 through April 2021. Of 5642 blood culture sets collected hospital-wide, 4631 were collected with the ISDD, whereas the remaining sets were collected via the conventional method. The ISDD BCC rate of 0.78% differed from the conventional method BCC rate of 4.06% observed during the intervention period (chi-squared test P < 0.00001). The ISDD group attained a sub-1% BCC rate to satisfy the intervention objective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Povroznik
- Department of Quality, WVU Medicine: United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV
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2
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Doern GV, Carroll KC, Diekema DJ, Garey KW, Rupp ME, Weinstein MP, Sexton DJ. Practical Guidance for Clinical Microbiology Laboratories: A Comprehensive Update on the Problem of Blood Culture Contamination and a Discussion of Methods for Addressing the Problem. Clin Microbiol Rev 2019; 33:e00009-19. [PMID: 31666280 PMCID: PMC6822992 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00009-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we present a comprehensive discussion of matters related to the problem of blood culture contamination. Issues addressed include the scope and magnitude of the problem, the bacteria most often recognized as contaminants, the impact of blood culture contamination on clinical microbiology laboratory function, the economic and clinical ramifications of contamination, and, perhaps most importantly, a systematic discussion of solutions to the problem. We conclude by providing a series of unanswered questions that pertain to this important issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary V Doern
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Karen C Carroll
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel J Diekema
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Kevin W Garey
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark E Rupp
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Melvin P Weinstein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Daniel J Sexton
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Corboy JB, Attridge M. Impact of Blood Culture Contamination on Patients and Health Care Systems: A Review of QI Strategies Within the ED. CLINICAL PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2019.100718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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4
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Minasyan H. Sepsis and septic shock: Pathogenesis and treatment perspectives. J Crit Care 2017; 40:229-242. [PMID: 28448952 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2017.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The majority of bacteremias do not develop to sepsis: bacteria are cleared from the bloodstream. Oxygen released from erythrocytes and humoral immunity kill bacteria in the bloodstream. Sepsis develops if bacteria are resistant to oxidation and proliferate in erythrocytes. Bacteria provoke oxygen release from erythrocytes to arterial blood. Abundant release of oxygen to the plasma triggers a cascade of events that cause: 1. oxygen delivery failure to cells; 2. oxidation of plasma components that impairs humoral regulation and inactivates immune complexes; 3. disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple organs' failure. Bacterial reservoir inside erythrocytes provides the long-term survival of bacteria and is the cause of ineffectiveness of antibiotics and host immune reactions. Treatment perspectives that include different aspects of sepsis development are discussed.
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Lee G, Lee Y, Chong YP, Jang S, Kim MN, Kim JH, Kim WS, Lee JH. Blood Culture Testing via a Mobile App That Uses a Mobile Phone Camera: A Feasibility Study. J Med Internet Res 2016; 18:e282. [PMID: 27784649 PMCID: PMC5103158 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.6398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate patients with fever of unknown origin or those with suspected bacteremia, the precision of blood culture tests is critical. An inappropriate step in the test process or error in a parameter could lead to a false-positive result, which could then affect the direction of treatment in critical conditions. Mobile health apps can be used to resolve problems with blood culture tests, and such apps can hence ensure that point-of-care guidelines are followed and processes are monitored for blood culture tests. Objective In this pilot project, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of using a mobile blood culture app to manage blood culture test quality. We implemented the app at a university hospital in South Korea to assess the potential for its utilization in a clinical environment by reviewing the usage data among a small group of users and by assessing their feedback and the data related to blood culture sampling. Methods We used an iOS-based blood culture app that uses an embedded camera to scan the patient identification and sample number bar codes. A total of 4 medical interns working at 2 medical intensive care units (MICUs) participated in this project, which spanned 3 weeks. App usage and blood culture sampling parameters (including sampler, sampling site, sampling time, and sample volume) were analyzed. The compliance of sampling parameter entry was also measured. In addition, the participants’ opinions regarding patient safety, timeliness, efficiency, and usability were recorded. Results In total, 356/644 (55.3%) of all blood culture samples obtained at the MICUs were examined using the app, including 254/356 (71.3%) with blood collection volumes of 5-7 mL and 256/356 (71.9%) with blood collection from the peripheral veins. The sampling volume differed among the participants. Sampling parameters were completely entered in 354/356 cases (99.4%). All the participants agreed that the app ensured good patient safety, disagreed on its timeliness, and did not believe that it was efficient. Although the bar code scanning speed was acceptable, the Wi-Fi environment required improvement. Moreover, the participants requested feedback regarding their sampling quality. Conclusions Although this app could be used in the clinical setting, improvements in the app functions, environment network, and internal policy of blood culture testing are needed to ensure hospital-wide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guna Lee
- Medical Information Office, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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O'Connor C, Philip RK, Powell J, Slevin B, Quinn C, Power L, O'Connell NH, Dunne CP. Combined education and skin antisepsis intervention for persistently high blood-culture contamination rates in neonatal intensive care. J Hosp Infect 2016; 93:105-7. [PMID: 26944902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Contaminated blood cultures represent challenges regarding diagnosis, duration of hospitalization, antimicrobial use, pharmacy and laboratory costs. Facing problematic neonatal blood culture contamination (3.8%), we instigated a successful intervention combining skin antisepsis using sterile applicators with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropanol prior to phlebotomy (replacing 70% isopropanol) and staff education. In the six months prior to intervention, 364 neonatal peripheral blood samples were collected. Fourteen (3.8%) were contaminated. In the post-intervention six months, 314 samples were collected. Three (0.96%) were contaminated, representing significant improvement (Fisher's exact test: P = 0.0259). No dermatological sequelae were observed. The improvement has been sustained.
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Affiliation(s)
- C O'Connor
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland; Infection Prevention & Control Team, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland; Centre for Intervention in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - R K Philip
- Department of Paediatrics (Division of Neonatology), University Maternity Hospital, Limerick, Ireland
| | - J Powell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - B Slevin
- Infection Prevention & Control Team, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - C Quinn
- Department of Paediatrics (Division of Neonatology), University Maternity Hospital, Limerick, Ireland
| | - L Power
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland; Infection Prevention & Control Team, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland
| | - N H O'Connell
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland; Infection Prevention & Control Team, University Hospital Limerick, Ireland; Centre for Intervention in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - C P Dunne
- Centre for Intervention in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i), Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Ireland.
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Garcia RA, Spitzer ED, Beaudry J, Beck C, Diblasi R, Gilleeny-Blabac M, Haugaard C, Heuschneider S, Kranz BP, McLean K, Morales KL, Owens S, Paciella ME, Torregrosa E. Multidisciplinary team review of best practices for collection and handling of blood cultures to determine effective interventions for increasing the yield of true-positive bacteremias, reducing contamination, and eliminating false-positive central line-associated bloodstream infections. Am J Infect Control 2015; 43:1222-37. [PMID: 26298636 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2015.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A literature search was conducted using keywords for articles published in English from January 1990 to March 2015. Using criteria related to blood culture collection and handling, the search yielded 101 articles. References used also included Microbiology Laboratory standards, guidelines, and textbook information. RESULTS The literature identified diverse and complex issues surrounding blood culture practices, including the impact of false-positive results, laboratory definition of contamination, effect on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) reporting, indications for collecting blood cultures, drawing from venipuncture sites versus intravascular catheters, selection of antiseptics, use of needleless connectors, inoculation of blood culture bottles, and optimizing program management in emergency departments, education, and implementation of bundled practice initiatives. CONCLUSION Hospitals should optimize best practice in the collection, handling, and management of blood culture specimens, an often overlooked but essential component in providing optimal care of patients in all settings and populations, reducing financial burdens, and increasing the accuracy of reportable CLABSI. Although universal concepts exist in blood culture practices, some issues require further research to determine benefit. Institutions undertaking a review of their blood culture programs are encouraged to use a checklist that addresses elements that encompass the research contained in this review.
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Investigating the impact of blood culture bundles on the incidence of blood culture contamination rates. JOURNAL OF INFUSION NURSING 2015; 37:205-10. [PMID: 24694514 DOI: 10.1097/nan.0000000000000032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood cultures are integral diagnostic procedures for identifying serious infections and selecting antimicrobials. Positive blood cultures are the initial step in attaining a conclusive diagnosis of sepsis. Relative risk is blood culture contamination, false-positive blood culture results, diagnostic error delays, treatment errors, excessive lab testing, and increased length of stay. A complicating issue is the increased use of central venous access devices (CVADs). The purpose of this descriptive, comparative study is to evaluate the effectiveness of blood culture bundles on blood cultures drawn through a CVAD and contamination rates. The study revealed a decrease in blood culture contamination rates by 61%.
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Robertson P, Russell A, Inverarity DJ. The effect of a quality improvement programme reducing blood culture contamination on the detection of bloodstream infection in an emergency department. J Infect Prev 2014; 16:82-87. [PMID: 28989406 DOI: 10.1177/1757177414561107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contaminated blood cultures (BC) generate avoidable costs and prolong hospital stays. To measure our hospital's performance against the recommended standard of <3% BC contamination, we performed a prospective study. METHODS We prospectively determined the frequency of contaminated and genuinely positive BC hospital-wide over seven months. RESULTS Overall, 73 of 1,829 blood cultures reviewed were contaminated (4.0%). However, distribution of contamination was not uniform. Finding a consistently higher incidence of contamination (11.7%) in our emergency department (ED) than elsewhere in the hospital (2.5%), we adopted a collaborative quality improvement strategy targeted to the ED. A combination of education, modified BC packs and regular feedback of BC results was associated with a significant reduction in contamination (7.4%, p=0.01) over the next six months. Our data suggests that contaminated BC were more likely to have been taken during regular day time hours (odds ratio (OR) 2.7, p=0.012), rather than overnight and were not associated with influxes of new junior medical staff. We found no evidence that the incidence of true bloodstream infection (12.8%) diagnosed by our ED was adversely affected by our intervention (10.7%, p=0.35). CONCLUSIONS Using a simple and inexpensive collaborative intervention we reduced BC contamination without adversely affecting the detection of genuine BSI.
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Tackling the problem of blood culture contamination in the intensive care unit using an educational intervention. Epidemiol Infect 2014; 143:1964-71. [DOI: 10.1017/s0950268814003008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYBlood culture contamination (BCC) has been associated with unnecessary antibiotic use, additional laboratory tests and increased length of hospital stay thus incurring significant extra hospital costs. We set out to assess the impact of a staff educational intervention programme on decreasing intensive care unit (ICU) BCC rates to <3% (American Society for Microbiology standard). BCC rates during the pre-intervention period (January 2006–May 2011) were compared with the intervention period (June 2011–December 2012) using run chart and regression analysis. Monthly ICU BCC rates during the intervention period were reduced to a mean of 3·7%, compared to 9·5% during the baseline period (P< 0·001) with an estimated potential annual cost savings of about £250 100. The approach used was simple in design, flexible in delivery and efficient in outcomes, and may encourage its translation into clinical practice in different healthcare settings.
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Shakeshaft M, Cunniffe J, Harvey D. Response to Dawson S, 'Blood culture contaminants', J Hosp Infect 2014, vol. 87, pp. 1-10. J Hosp Infect 2014; 88:120. [PMID: 25218657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Shakeshaft
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, UK.
| | - J Cunniffe
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, UK
| | - D Harvey
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, UK
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14
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Dawson
- Department of Microbiology, The Great Western Hospital, Swindon SN3 6BB.
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15
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Blood culture contamination: having your cake and eating it. J Hosp Infect 2012; 80:101-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2011.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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