Automated blood cultures

Abstract

A clinically suspected infection is ultimately confirmed by isolation or detection of the infectious agent. Subsequent identification of the microorganism and antibiotic susceptibility tests further guide effective antimicrobial therapy. Bloodstream infection is the most severe form of infection and is frequently life-threatening, and blood culture to detect circulating microorganisms has been the diagnostic standard. Much of the scientific and technologic advances in blood culture were made from the 1970s to the 1990s; this chapter briefly reviews various aspects of blood culture with emphasis on automated culturing systems. © 2006 Springer.