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Author Affiliations: Division of Neonatology (Salvador A, Schutzman DL), Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Arbeter A), and Division of Pediatrics (Kerur B), Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia PA 19141, USA
Corresponding Author: David L Schutzman, MD, Albert Einstein Medical Center, 5501 Old York Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA (Tel: 215-456-6698; Fax: 215-456-6769; Email: schutzmand@einstein.edu)
doi: 10.1007/s12519-012-0368-y
Background: There are currently no standard recommendations regarding the optimal method to obtain a blood culture in neonates.
Methods: We performed an online survey of the membership of the Section on Perinatal Pediatrics of the American Academy of Pediatrics regarding their practices when drawing blood cultures. The survey included questions regarding the type of antisepsis used in preparing the site for sampling, the amount of blood drawn and preferred site for obtaining the culture.
Results: Overall 715 of 2955 (24%) members responded to the survey. There was wide variability in responses to all of the questions. However, virtually all providers washed their hands and wore gloves while performing the procedure, and virtually all providers obtained ¡İ0.5 mL of blood for the sample.
Conclusions: Given the wide variability of practices among the members of the Section, evidence-based standards are needed to guide clinical practice for this procedure.
Key words: blood culture; infection; neonate
World J Pediatr 2012;8(3):260-262
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