Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Blood

Container/Tube: BacT/ALERT bottles
Specimen Volume: 8-10 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 8 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Prep venipuncture site with ChloraPrep, rubbing site for 30 seconds in an up-and-down motion.

2. Allow to dry for 30 seconds. (Do not touch site after cleansing.)

3. Prepare BacT/ALERT bottles by removing plastic cap and swabbing tops with alcohol. (Do not use Betadine.)

4. Attach adapter to 21 g butterfly set and perform venipuncture.

5. Draw blood.

Note: Blood culture bottle must be kept in an upright position during collection. (Do not let broth in bottle contact needle lure at any time.)

6. Press adapter down on BacT/ALERT bottle top inoculating aerobic (blue-top) bottle first, then anaerobic (purple-top) bottle.

7. Label bottle(s) with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of draw, site of draw, and phlebotomist employee number.

Additional Information: If multiple blood cultures are ordered, draw second and third sets from different venipuncture sites.