Evaluating the Efficacy of Training and Education on Lowering Blood Culture Contamination Rates in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Blood culture remains the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections. Contamination during the collection, transport, or processing of blood culture samples can obscure the true pathogens with contaminant growth, thereby complicating or delaying the diagnosis of bacteremia. This study assesses the effectiveness of an educational intervention aimed at reducing blood culture contamination rates in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This single-center study, aimed at quality improvement, included two phases: an observational phase from December ۲۰۲۲ to February ۲۰۲۳, and an interventional phase from March to May ۲۰۲۳. During the interventional phase, healthcare workers underwent comprehensive training in aseptic blood sample collection techniques. The study involved ۹۸۰ patients, with ۴۷۰ blood samples collected during the observational phase (December ۲۰۲۲–February ۲۰۲۳) and ۵۱۰ during the interventional phase (March–May ۲۰۲۳), all processed using standard microbiological techniques. Blood cultures yielding commensal organisms without corresponding clinical symptoms were classified as contaminants. Results: The contamination rate of blood cultures dropped from ۱۲.۱% (۵۷/۴۷۰) during the observational phase to ۸.۶% (۴۴/۵۱۰) post-intervention; however, this reduction was not statistically significant (P = ۰.۳۴, chi-square test). Contamination rates during the observational phase were highest in the ward at ۱۶.۲%, followed by ۱۳% in the outpatient department, and lowest in the intensive care unit at ۷.۱%. The predominant contaminants identified were Staphylococcus hominis, followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus, highlighting common sources of contamination. Conclusion: Although the educational intervention did not yield a statistically significant decrease in blood culture contamination rates, the study underscores the need for multifaceted strategies, including enhanced training, environmental controls, and standardized protocols, to meet international benchmarks for contamination control.

کلیدواژه ها:

Blood culture contamination ، Observational phase ، Interventional phase ، Quality improvement ، Healthcare education