Evaluation of the initial specimen diversion technique (ISDT) for reducing blood culture contamination in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Blood cultures are one of the important tools for laboratory diagnosis of bloodstream infection [1]. One of the main limitations of blood cultures is the occurrence of false-positive results caused by skin contaminants. False-positive results can impact on patient care, e.g., improper antibiotic treatment, additional investigations for possible infection, increased length of stay and higher costs [2,3]. Rates of blood culture contamination in children vary between centres but are typically not less than 3% [4].