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"For this edition of Bending the Value Curve, we present a case that highlights the downstream effects of a contaminated blood culture result in a febrile infant and consider opportunities for alternative, value-based approaches" Butala et al (2022).

Contaminated blood culture impact

Extract:

“Contaminated blood culture results occur in ∼3% of samples and can lead to prolonged admissions, repeat testing, and increased antibiotic exposure.1,2 The financial burden associated with contaminated blood culture specimens is also substantial, with reported costs ranging from $2844 to $10 078 on average per contamination event.3 Despite this significant impact, there remains limited guidance on how clinicians should address contaminated blood culture results, and variations in care exist surrounding repeat lab work, use of antibiotics, and patient disposition.4,5 For this edition of Bending the Value Curve, we present a case that highlights the downstream effects of a contaminated blood culture result in a febrile infant and consider opportunities for alternative, value-based approaches. Verbal informed consent for writing this report was obtained from the patient’s guardian.”


Reference:

Butala N, Berkwitt A, Osborn R. Contamination Frustration: Considering Value-Based Approaches to Manage Contaminated Cultures. Hosp Pediatr. 2022 Nov 1;12(11):e414-e417. doi: 10.1542/hpeds.2022-006819. PMID: 36305208.