Does bacteremia follow colonoscopy?

In order to determine the risk of bacteremia from colonoscopy, we cultured blood specimens from 40 patients the day before laxative and enema preparation; right after such preparation; and 15 min, 1 hr, and 4 hr after colonscopy. Bacteremia was not induced by either the vigorous preparation or the colonscopy which, in 27 patients, included polypectomy, biopsy, and/or fulgurations. On the basis of our data, we conclude that the risk of bacteremia following colonoscopy is small, and we doubt the need of antibiotic prophylaxis for those with susceptible hearts.