The ability to isolate a pathogen from blood is related to a number of factors. One of the key factors is the volume of blood collected. The more blood cultured, the more likely that the test will be positive.
The total volume of blood removed is divided between 2 culture bottles (the set).
Age or Weight
Minimum Volume
Optimum Volume
up to 1 year OR < 4 kg (8.8 lbs)
1.0 mL
1.5 to 2.0 mL
1 to 6 years of age
1.0 mL per year of age
1.5 mL per year of age
13.6 to 36.4 kg (to 80 lbs)
10 mL
20 mL
> 36.4 kg (80 lbs)
30 mL
60 mL
A considerable amount of blood may be drawn if multiple sets are drawn over a short period of time.
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