Interpretive Handbook
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Test 8082:
Bacterial Culture, Blood
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Bacteremia results when bacteria multiply at a rate that exceeds removal by phagocytes. The clinical pattern of bacteremia may be transient, intermittent, or continuous. Transient bacteremia often occurs after manipulative procedures (dental procedures, cystoscopy) or surgery in contaminated areas of the body. Undrained abscesses (intraabdominal, pelvic, hepatic) may result in intermittent bacteremia. A hallmark feature of subacute bacterial endocarditis is a continuous bacteremia.
The sources of bacteremia are the genitourinary tract (25%), the respiratory tract (20%), abscesses (10%), surgical wounds (5%), the biliary tract (5%), other known sites (10%), and unknown sites (25%).
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
As a general guidelines, two sets of cultures should be collected per febrile episode in adult patients, no more than four blood culture sets should be collected in a 24-hour period, and blood cultures should be collected prior to administration of antibiotics.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
No growth
Identification of all organisms
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. Sixth edition. New York, Churchill Livingstone, 2005, pp 906-926
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