Preanalytical criteria for collecting blood culture samples in the Microbiology area at Portoviejo General Hospital

Carlos E. Mera; Jean P. Sanclemente; Ivón Howland

doi:10.5281/zenodo.14602285

Authors

Carlos E. Mera Laboratorio Clínico Crisvem, Portoviejo, Ecuador Author https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7277-5601
Jean P. Sanclemente Quality Labs, Riochico, Portoviejo, Ecuador Author https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4790-106X
Ivón Howland Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, Ecuador Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0958-5562

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14602285

Keywords:

blood cultures, preanalytical phase, preanalytical errors, good clinical laboratory practices

Abstract

The General Hospital of Portoviejo serves a high demand of patients with suspected infections, bacteremia, or sepsis, highlighting the importance of performing high-quality blood cultures. This study characterized errors in the preanalytical sample collection phase for the microbiological diagnosis of bacteremia through blood cultures. Existing laboratory protocols were analyzed and compared with national and international standards, focusing on asepsis, blood volume, biosafety, and techniques. Information was gathered through surveys conducted with healthcare personnel involved in sample collection, identifying key issues such as the need for more specific protocols, inadequate containers for sample transportation, and the presence of personnel in training. Although more than half of the respondents followed the correct sample collection and transport procedures, a significant proportion still needed to meet the standards. As a result, a standardized operational procedure was developed based on good laboratory practices in Ecuador and internationally to improve the quality of blood cultures in the hospital.

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