Diagnosis | Spectrum

Accurate blood culture data is a crucial part of managing endocarditis- do not initiate antibiotics until blood cultures are obtained

Collect Blood Cultures Depending on Patient’s Severity of Illness

Stable patient, subacute presentation: THREE sets of blood cultures q8h x 3 prior to any ABx

Unwell patient: THREE sets of blood cultures over an hour prior to ABx

Sepsis/Severe sepsis/Shock: THREE sets of blood cultures from 3 sites STAT then ABx

Sepsis

Both of:

SIRS criteria (Two of HR>90, tachypnea, Temp >38 or <36, WBC >12 or <4)

AND

Suspected/confirmed infection

NOTE: Collect at least one set of blood cultures from central line and/or arterial line if present

Continue to collect blood cultures q24-48h following initiation of therapy until negative.

Persistent bacteremia is defined as >48h on effective therapy.