title: Guideline for the optimal use of blood cultures.
abstract: The incidence of sepsis is increasing globally, with high morbidity and mortality. Prompt, accurate detection of bacteraemia and fungaemia is imperative for improving patient care, yet health care professionals lack training in correct blood culture techniques. These guidelines discuss the clinical importance of blood cultures, the indications for their use and the correct technique for optimal yield of pathogenic micro-organisms that cause sepsis.
authors.affiliation: Cardiac Clinic, Department of Medicine, Groote Shuur Hospital. ntobekon@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ntobeko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ntusi
authors.forename: Lindsey
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aubin
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Whitelaw
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mendelson
mesh_terms: D016470:Bacteremia / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques / Q000592:standards*; D001769:Blood / Q000382:microbiology*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology