ABSTRACT

States intention to introduce self and confirm patient’s name and date of birth States intention to explain the need for obtaining blood cultures and the procedure, and to seek the patient’s permission Selects appropriate equipment for the test (green needle/s, 10/20 mL syringe, blood culture bottle/s, alcohol wipes, tourniquet, gloves and cotton swabs) Washes hands and puts on gloves Applies tourniquet to model arm and selects a vein Cleans the skin using alcohol swabs Retracts vein to stabilize it and inserts needle into the vein using aseptic technique Ensures that adequate blood sample has been withdrawn (5-10 mL is required per bottle) Releases tourniquet and withdraws needle, whilst achieving haemostasis with a cotton swab Removes caps from blood culture bottles and cleans tops with alcohol wipes Fills each blood culture bottle with the correct volume of blood, filling the anaerobic bottle first Discards needle and syringe safely Labels each bottle appropriately Completes the correct request form with necessary clinical information Documents taking of blood cultures in the notes

Examiner global rating

KEY Depending on which hospital/medical school you are at, you will be required to fill either one or two (aerobic and anaerobic) blood culture bottles.