Taming the Contaminants: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Minimize Blood Culture Contamination and Enhance Patient Care in a Resource-Limited Setting
Author(s)
Maria Khan, MD1, Saba Shah khan, Sr., Other2.
1Microbiologist Doctor, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan, 2Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-MTI, peshawar, Pakistan.
1Microbiologist Doctor, Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-MTI, Peshawar, Pakistan, 2Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-MTI, peshawar, Pakistan.
OBJECTIVES: Blood culture contamination (BCC) in hospitals negatively impacts patient outcomes, unnecessary antibiotic exposure, prolonged hospital stays, and substantial costs. This study investigated the impact of targeted training programs for phlebotomists and nurses at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology-MTI on reducing blood culture contamination (BCC) rates.
METHODS: This interventional study at our tertiary care setup in Peshawar, Pakistan, from April 2024 to April 2025, included all blood cultures. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, segmenting the study period into a 6-month pre-intervention baseline phase followed by a 7-month intervention phase. Throughout both phases, blood culture contamination (BCC) rates were monitored monthly. The intervention strategies encompassed regular training sessions, didactic instruction, and re-evaluation of competency for participating staff. Laboratory personnel monitored BCC rates, reported findings, and provided feedback. BCC rate calculation followed pre-set criteria specific to our institution.
RESULTS: Across all hospital departments, we received 646 blood cultures, with 285 collected during the pre-intervention phase and 361 during the intervention. The mean BCC rate significantly decreased from 12.9% in the pre-intervention period to 6.09% by the end of the intervention. Notably, the majority of blood cultures originated from inpatient units (83.06%), and 62.7% of all contaminations were reported in male patients
CONCLUSIONS: A simple intervention effectively lowered BCC in our setting, particularly addressing inpatient factors. However, without observational audits, pinpointing specific causes remains challenging. Future research should focus on targeted strategies for sustained improvements.
METHODS: This interventional study at our tertiary care setup in Peshawar, Pakistan, from April 2024 to April 2025, included all blood cultures. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, segmenting the study period into a 6-month pre-intervention baseline phase followed by a 7-month intervention phase. Throughout both phases, blood culture contamination (BCC) rates were monitored monthly. The intervention strategies encompassed regular training sessions, didactic instruction, and re-evaluation of competency for participating staff. Laboratory personnel monitored BCC rates, reported findings, and provided feedback. BCC rate calculation followed pre-set criteria specific to our institution.
RESULTS: Across all hospital departments, we received 646 blood cultures, with 285 collected during the pre-intervention phase and 361 during the intervention. The mean BCC rate significantly decreased from 12.9% in the pre-intervention period to 6.09% by the end of the intervention. Notably, the majority of blood cultures originated from inpatient units (83.06%), and 62.7% of all contaminations were reported in male patients
CONCLUSIONS: A simple intervention effectively lowered BCC in our setting, particularly addressing inpatient factors. However, without observational audits, pinpointing specific causes remains challenging. Future research should focus on targeted strategies for sustained improvements.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
PCR224
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Adherence, Persistence, & Compliance
Disease
Cardiovascular Disorders (including MI, Stroke, Circulatory), Infectious Disease (non-vaccine)