Point-of-Care Verification of Blood Culture Volume in Neonates: A Feasibility Trial.

Background: Blood cultures remain the gold standard for the diagnosis of sepsis. However, volumes of blood submitted for cultures often do not match the recommended values. We propose a simple intervention aimed to verify the volume of blood sampled using a scale. This study was undertaken in preparation for a future, multicenter, pre- and post-intervention trial. Our primary objective was to test the feasibility (uptake and retention) of this future intervention.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted at a neonatal department in Warsaw, Poland, over a period of eight months (May to December 2020). Before starting the study, we undertook an educational intervention focused on obtaining adequate blood volumes for culture. The culture bottles that were weighed in advance were distributed in all blood collection areas. Blood volume was verified by weighing the bottle immediately after blood inoculation. The calculated value was communicated to the collecting clinician and recorded. The primary outcome measure was the percentage of blood culture submissions for which the blood volume inoculated into the bottles was determined by weighing.

Results: During the study period, 244 blood samples were collected for culture, out of which 205 samples were weighed (84.0%, CI₉₅ [78.8% to 88.4%]). This high proportion remained stable throughout the study period. We have not observed any adverse events related to the study.

Conclusions: The point-of-care verification of blood culture volume using a scale was feasible to implement. Since we have met our pre-established criterion for success, a future, definitive trial is likely to proceed.