Mentorship: Blood Cultures
Reducing the number of blood culture contaminations is a goal for the majority of healthcare systems. By focusing on likely moments when contamination might occur, these simulated experiences demonstrate best practices to prevent said contamination. From skin antisepsis, to scrubbing the rubber septa this presentation is sure to leave an impression.
What resources are included with mentorship?
Blood Culture Collection Educational Packet
This comprehensive packet gives an in depth background on PPE, PPE simulations, and debriefing discussions. This packet will guide you through a train-the-trainer approach for you to gain the knowledge necessary to train your staff on the importance of PPE.
Use of Simulation to Promote Best Practice for Obtaining Blood Cultures Presentation
This presentation guides you through the blood culture module from background information to simulation, as well as debriefing. This guided presentation contains multiple media assets that can be used for blood culture education.
Correct Blood Culture Collection Video
Use this video to show the correct steps to obtaining blood cultures from a patient. This video highlights the importance of proper skin antisepsis, prevention of blood culture vial contamination, and adequate blood volume.
Skin Antisepsis Video
The results of a blood culture guide the treatment and management of a patient when ordered. Microbes live on the skin that could potentially contaminate the sample if proper skin antisepsis is not done. Watch this simulated experience to see the invisible germs decrease with more scrub times.
Improper Scrubbing Technique Video
Germs can live on dry surfaces—the rubber septa of blood culture bottles are vulnerable to this. Watch as this healthcare worker only cleans the rubber septa of one blood culture vial and then compare to one uncleaned. Use this experience show the risks of blood culture contamination.
Blood Volume Still Photo Series
Are you collecting enough blood to yield accurate results? Test your knowledge on adequate blood volume with these still photos of syringes and blood cultures vials.
Re-Palpating the Site
Skin antisepsis done correctly can prevent contamination of blood cultures. Palpation for venipuncture should be done before skin antisepsis. If re-palpation is needed, sterile gloves should be donned. See the effects of inappropriately re-palpating the site after skin antisepsis.