G154

Gram – Blood culture: gram negative bacilli (Pasteurella multocida) – Shipped 15 February 2016

HISTORY

A simulated blood culture smear collected from a 5 year old female patient with fever and a pet cat was sent to category A, B, C, and C1 laboratories.

Participants were expected to report gram negative bacilli/coccobacilli; participants were not expected to report cells as this sample simulated a slide prepared from a positive blood cul-ture bottle.

MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from G154

1. Labs should not quantitate the organisms isolated from blood culture vials
2. Accurate reading and interpretation of Gram stains as well as prompt reporting are very important to guide empiric therapy while awaiting culture and susceptibility results.
3. The Gram stain of Pasteurella multocida shows gram negative bacilli or coccobacilli.

Full critique (PDF)