Optimizing Blood Culture Practices in Tertiary Hospitals: Reducing Contamination Rates and Its Impact on Antibiotic Stewardship through Interprofessional Collaboration

Authors: Ahmed R. Alotaibi, Manal A. Alonazi, Fatimah S. Alotaibi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14551419

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g8ws99

Country: Saudi Arabia

Full-text Research PDF File:   View   |   Download

Abstract: Background: Blood culture contamination is a persistent issue in tertiary hospitals, often resulting in false-positive results, unnecessary antibiotic usage, and increased healthcare costs. This study investigates the impact of targeted interventions, including standardized protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration, on contamination reduction and antimicrobial stewardship.
Methods: A 12-month prospective interventional study was conducted in a 500-bed tertiary hospital. Interventions included staff training, implementation of aseptic blood collection protocols, and pharmacist-laboratory collaboration. Outcomes assessed included contamination rates, unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, and associated cost savings.
Results: Blood culture contamination rates decreased by 50%, from 4.0% to 2.0%. Unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions were reduced by 60%, resulting in $3,000 in cost savings. The greatest reduction was observed in contamination due to improper skin preparation, which decreased by 75%.
Conclusions: Targeted interventions significantly reduced blood culture contamination rates and improved antimicrobial stewardship. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of multidisciplinary approaches in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, optimizing antibiotic use, and achieving cost efficiencies in a tertiary care setting.

Keywords: Blood culture contamination, Antimicrobial stewardship, Tertiary care hospital, Multidisciplinary collaboration, Healthcare cost reduction, Diagnostic accuracy

Paper Id: 231896

Published On: 2015-01-06

Published In: Volume 3, Issue 1, January-February 2015

Share this