Rapid detection of bacteraemia by early subculture.

Inspection and blind subculture was carried out on 7031 consecutive blood cultures at 10 p.m. on the day they were received. Analysis of the results after a 2-year period showed that 119 out of 237 (50%) bacteraemic patients were detected at this stage. Preliminary sensitivity tests were done at this time and their results were available within 24 h of the blood cultures being received. Thus earlier specific therapy was possible in 50% of the cases of bacteraemia.