Increased rates of blood culture contamination during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Zerelda Esquer Garrigos, Mary Joyce B. Wingler, Petros Svoronos, Prakhar Vijayvargiya, David Goodman‐Meza, John C. O’Horo, Bhagyashri Navalkele, David A. Cretella, I. J. Frame, Jason Parham, Jose Lucar
Abstract
We observed a higher rate of blood-culture contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic at our institution compared to a prepandemic period. Given the potential implications of blood contamination in antibiotic and diagnostic test utilization as well as added cost, it is imperative to continue efforts to minimize these episodes during the pandemic.
Topics & Concepts
PandemicContaminationMedicineBlood cultureCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)CoronavirusAntibioticsIntensive care medicineEmergency medicineDiseaseVirologyMicrobiologyInternal medicineBiologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakEcologyBacterial Identification and Susceptibility TestingClinical Laboratory Practices and Quality ControlAntibiotic Use and Resistance