How to interpret a paediatric blood culture.

Shaun O'HaganPeter NelsonLynne SpeirsPaul MoriartyPeter Mallett

Published in: Archives of disease in childhood. Education and practice edition (2021)

Blood culture is one of the most important diagnostic tests in medicine, considering the significant morbidity and mortality associated with bloodstream infection (BSI). However, it is an often misused and misinterpreted test in everyday paediatric practice. In this article, we explore the evidence related to paediatric blood cultures, with the aim of providing clear and clinically-relevant recommendations for its judicious use.

Keyphrases

intensive care unit
emergency department
primary care
healthcare
clinical practice
multidrug resistant