What is the proper procedure for obtaining a blood culture from a central venous access device (CVC or PICC)? Our policy is that you send the first draw from the line; obtaining NO waste prior to the sample. My microbiology section head is questioning this practice. I know I read it somewhere in either the INS standards or the Core Curriculum but now cannot find it and I need to submit some kind of reference or article to this lab person. Can you offer any input on this?
Look for this:
M. Wilson MM, A. Morris, P. Murray, L. Reimer, L. Reller, M. Towns, M. Weinstein, S. Wellstood, W. Dunne, R. Jerris, D. Welch. Principles and Procedures for Blood Cultures; Approved Guideline. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. 2007;27(17).
http://www.clsi.org/ but you will probably have to purchase the document.
Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thanks so much, Lynn!