Diagnosis of bacteremia (sepsis)
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For the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis, KU uses the Bac-T-Alert system (Organon Technika, Durham, NC). There are three types of bottles that are available for use in the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis. The gray top bottle on the left is for aerobic bacteria, the green top with the black fluid (activated charcoal) is a special bottle used only for patients on multiple systemic antibiotics, and the purple top bottle on the right is for anaerobes. Consultation with the clinical microbiology lab is required before the activated charcoal bottle may be used. Normally, one collects 2 sets of blood cultures at a time. For most patients, this means two separate venipunctures, done one after the other. At least 20 cc of blood should be collected for each stick. Usually, two aerobic bottles are filled for each stick, adding 10 ml to each bottle. It is not usually necessary to draw an anaerobic bottle, unless the patient is at risk for anaerobic infections (GYN surgery, bowel surgery).