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, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thanks so much, Lynn!