Educational Module: 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 diaphragm this module is sure to leave an impression.
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Define what a blood culture is and how it is used for diagnostic and treatment planning.
- Recognize the impact of blood culture contamination on patients and the healthcare system as a whole.
- Analyze the relationship between blood culture contamination and antibiotic stewardship.
- Apply actions that will prevent blood culture contamination.
- Demonstrate proper method for blood culture collection in regards to technique, volume, and timing.
The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information on infection prevention and control. Through a range of formats, KyIP Training Center delivers educational resources tailored to the diverse learning preferences and needs of the healthcare workforce. The materials are designed to empower healthcare professionals by promoting critical thinking in infection control, incorporating adult learning principles, educational best practices, and the evidence-based scientific principles that inform them.
Kirsten Trudeau, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
This series was developed by Kirsten Trudeau, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.
Do you have questions about these modules?
Click the button below to get in contact with a member of the KyIP Training Center team to get your questions answered!
Module Documents
Blood Culture Educational Packet
This comprehensive packet gives an in depth background on blood cultures, 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 best practice for obtaining blood cultures.
Click the image or click here to view the packet.
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.
Click the image or click here to view the presentation.
A voiceover version of this presentation is available for continuing education credit here.
Blood Culture Video Series
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 adequate scrub time.
Improper Scrubbing Technique
Germs can live on dry surfaces—the rubber diaphragm of blood culture bottles are vulnerable to this. Watch as this healthcare worker only cleans the rubber diaphragm of one blood culture vial and then compare to one uncleaned. Use this experience show the risks of blood culture contamination.
Re-palpation Contamination-Venipuncture Sites
Skin antisepsis prior to venipuncture is essential to preventing pathogens from entering the bloodstream, as well as prevent the contamination of samples like blood cultures. Re-palpation of the site should not occur after skin antisepsis is done unless sterile gloves are worn. See how this simulation shows contamination due to re-palpating the site after skin antisepsis occurs.
Blood Culture Still Image 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.
