Rationalising the ordering of bloodcultures

Abstract

In 1996 a project was undertaken to determine the clinical impact of blood culturestaken in the emergency department. It found that 1.6 percent; of all blood cultures takenresulted in changes in patient management. In response to these findings, guidelineswere developed for more appropriate utilisation of blood cultures. It was predictedthat the guidelines would result in a reduction in test ordering of approximately 40 percent;and an annual saving of approximately $18 000. The guidelines were implementedin mid-1997. An audit of test ordering for the months of January to August 1998shows a 53 percent; reduction in the ordering of blood cultures.