Increased rates of blood culture contamination during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2022 Nov;43(11):1719-1721. doi: 10.1017/ice.2021.292. Epub 2021 Jun 24.

Abstract

We observed a higher rate of blood-culture contamination during the COVID-19 pandemic at our institution compared to a prepandemic period. Given the potential implications of blood contamination in antibiotic and diagnostic test utilization as well as added cost, it is imperative to continue efforts to minimize these episodes during the pandemic.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Culture
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • SARS-CoV-2