Blood Cultures 22/04/2025 Nightingale room 1515 - 1700

Only Doctors, Registered Nurses, and ACP that have completed venepuncture workbooks and competency sign-off are allowed to undertake training for blood cultures according to our trust policy and procedures

Blood cultures are the key investigation for the diagnosis of sepsis, and are used to detect the presence of bacteria and or fungi in blood and considered the gold standard Prompt accurate detection of bacteremia and fungi is important for improving patient care and clinical outcomes Also in this session is covered how to take blood from CVAD line for cultures and other blood requests.

Learning Outcomes

· Able to discuss and apply to practice the legal and professional issues related to accountability, the duty of care, delegation, Informed consent, and your safeguarding responsibilities

· Able to discuss the rationale for taking blood culture and why we complete the Sepsis 6. Able to locate correct documentation to complete the sepsis bundle

· Will be able to identify the veins most appropriate for venepuncture as long as in the trust agreed area from fingers to just above the ACF and have knowledge of where the arteries are to ensure safe cannulation of the arm

· Can Identify and discuss complications and actions required

+ Discussed the importance of confirming patient identification by checking, full name, DOB, and hospital number

+ Able to explain the rationale and process of taking blood cultures and the importance of the procedure in identifying a bacteremia

+ Able to identify the risks and contraindications of the procedure including Infection, Structure missed or another structure hit, and Haematoma or phlebitis may develop

+ Learns the reason for specific requirements while undertaking blood cultures ensuring the ANTT technique is used throughout while using the blood culture pack

+ Understand the potential complications by contamination and the impact on patient care

+ Understands the process and gains skill in taking Blood cultures from the puncture site and CVAD lines

+ Documentation Requirements

+ Use of the Sepsis form and escalation to appropriate staff

+ Understands limitations and acts within own scope of practice maintains standards and ensures updated every three years via the eLearning programme

Host or Publisher Mandy Warnham Practice Educator