A comprehensive update on the problem of blood culture contamination and a discussion of methods for addressing the problem

Gary V. Doern, Karen C. Carroll, Daniel J. Diekema, Kevin W. Garey, Mark E. Rupp, Melvin P. Weinstein, Daniel J. Sextong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this review, we present a comprehensive discussion of matters related to the problem of blood culture contamination. Issues addressed include the scope and magnitude of the problem, the bacteria most often recognized as contaminants, the impact of blood culture contamination on clinical microbiology laboratory function, the economic and clinical ramifications of contamination, and, perhaps most importantly, a systematic discussion of solutions to the problem. We conclude by providing a series of unanswered questions that pertain to this important issue.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere00009-19
JournalClinical Microbiology Reviews
Volume33
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2020

Keywords

  • Blood
  • Contamination
  • Culture

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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