Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections in Children

Abstract

Identification of bloodstream infections is among the most critical tasks performed by the clinical microbiology laboratory. While the criteria for achieving an adequate blood culture specimen in adults has been well described, there is much more ambiguity in pediatric populations. This minireview focuses on the available pediatric literature pertaining to collection of an optimal blood culture specimen, including timing, volume, and bottle selection, as well as rapid diagnostic approaches and their role in management of pediatric bloodstream infections.