Blood Culture Collection Algorithm - Adult Patients with Suspected Systemic Infection Pawlowicz et al evidenced based algorithm to guide the decision to obtain blood cultures based on the Shapiro Rules. Algorithm Source: https://www.oatext.com/Implementati General Guidelines for drawing blood cultures: - Patients who meet SIRS criteria and have unstable vital signs warrant blood cultures. - Patients with suspected bacterial infections, whose clinical status appears sufficiently tenuous as to warrant an elevated level of care such as the intensive care unit or a stepdown unit warrant blood cultures, regardless of source. - Patients with rigors and a suspected source of bacterial infection (ex. urinary tract infection, endocarditis, or pneumonia) warrant blood cultures. - When EPs are concerned for an infection of indwelling catheters or lines, blood cultures should be obtained. - Febrile neutropenic or immunocompromised patients warrant blood cultures. - When feasible, blood cultures should be obtained prior to antibiotic administration. #Management #BloodCultures #Collection #Drawing #Algorithm #EmergencyDepartment #Protocol #Shapiro #Indications #Criteria
