Diagnostic Management of Blood Cultures in the Pre-Analytical and Post-Analytical Phases: Scope Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26694/repis.v11i1.6148Keywords:
Drug Resistance, Microbial, Blood Culture, Bacteremia., Microbiology, Antimicrobial StewardshipAbstract
Introduction: Diagnostic stewardship of blood cultures optimizes healthcare resources and promotes safe patient care. Its focus lies in the rational use of tests that support the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Objective: To map
the available scientific evidence on the practices adopted by healthcare professionals in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of blood cultures that contribute to the diagnosis of patients with bloodstream infection.Design: Scoping review according to the Joanna Briggs Institute. The PCC acronym was used to construct the research question. The review was conducted using the databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, LILACS, and the gray literature BDTD, correlating the descriptors “Blood Culture,” “Bacteremia,” “Sepsis,” “Pre-Analytical Phase,” and “Critical Laboratory Values.” Data collection wascarried out in May 2024 with no language or date filters. Results: Of the 164 studies, 22 met the research objective. Practices in the pre-analytical phase: interventions regarding the indication for collection, number of samples, volume, and transport. Practices in the post-analytical phase: timely communication and support for result interpretation. Implications: The study identifies the practices adopted by healthcare professionals in the pre-analytical and post-analytical phases of blood cultures that align with the principles of diagnostic stewardship.
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