Detection of bacteremia and fungemia: microscopic examination of peripheral blood smears.
Microscopic examination of stained granulocyte smears can lead to the early identification of bacterial and fungal infections. The technique is simple, inexpensive, and safe. Although the test can be time consuming, it is clinically useful if performed when a high grade bacteremia or fungemia is likely to be present (Table 3). The results are examiner dependent, but in the proper clinical setting should be reliable. Moreover, the slide can be saved as a part of the medical record, examined by others, and restained if necessary. A positive smear allows the physician to strengthen the empirical antimicrobial regimen against a particular organism which will hopefully improve the outcome of the septic process.
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D009181:Mycoses / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling