The Importance of Following the Correct Blood Culture Order of Draw

The Importance of Following the Correct Blood Culture Order of Draw

Have you ever thought about the importance of following the proper order of draw during blood culture collection? It might seem like a mundane task, but it can have a significant impact on the accuracy of test results and patient outcomes. In this article, we’ll explore why following the correct blood culture order of draw is crucial.

What Is the Order of Draw?

The order of blood draw is a sequence used to collect blood samples when drawing multiple tubes during a venipuncture procedure. The order of draw follows a specific sequence to minimize the possibility of contamination between different tubes. The main principle is to draw the blood sample that is most likely to cause cross-contamination last.

Why Is the Order of Draw Important?

The importance of the order of draw lies in avoiding contamination of blood samples by additives in different tubes. Serum or plasma can be contaminated if they come in contact with substances such as alcohol swabs, betadine, or other additives in different tubes. The order of draw minimizes the risk of sample contamination, reduces unnecessary test results, and ensures accurate laboratory results and patient care.

Benefits of Following the Correct Order of Draw

Following the right order of draw during blood culture collection has numerous benefits, including:

1. Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment

The correct order of draw helps to produce accurate laboratory test results, which aid in diagnosis and treatment. Inaccurate test results can lead to incorrect diagnosis, which can lead to incorrect treatment.

2. Improved Patient Outcomes

Accurate results from properly collected specimens can lead to improved patient outcomes. These results can help physicians identify the right medication and doses, reduce the number of required tests, and improve the appropriate detection of infections.

3. Decreased Health Care Costs

Undetected infections can prolong hospital stays and are linked with higher health care costs. Accurate results from properly collected blood cultures can decrease the probability of prolonged hospitalization and minimize the number of tests required.

The Correct Order of Draw

The most common sequence for collecting blood cultures samples is:

1. Blood cultures

2. Coagulation studies (e.g., PT/INR, APTT)

3. Other serum tubes (non-additive, red-top, tiger top)

4. Other additive tubes (e.g., green top, lavender top, gray top)

Conclusion

In conclusion, following the correct order of draw when collecting blood cultures is critical to diagnosis and treatment, improved patient outcomes, and decreased healthcare costs. Accurate laboratory test results are essential for ensuring appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment for patients. By ensuring that the correct sequence of blood collection is followed, healthcare professionals can provide better care and better outcomes for their patients.