Beekmann et al reported an algorithm to help to determine the significance of isolating coagulase-negative staphylococci from blood cultures. The authors are from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Patient selection: positive blood culture for coagulase-negative staphylococci
Criteria for the isolation of coagulase-negative staphylococci being significant (not a contaminant) - one or both of the following:
(1) >= 1 additional blood culture positive in a 5 day period
(2) both of the following:
(2a) (white blood cell count < 2,000 per µL) OR (white blood cell count > 12,000 per µL AND >= 10% bands)
(2b) (temperature < 36°C) OR (temperature >= 38.5°C) OR (systolic blood pressure < 90 mm Hg)
Performance:
• The sensitivity was 67% and specificity 92%.
• The positive predictive value was 64% and negative predictive value 93%.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
