Cor Vasa 2025, 67(4):449-456 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2025.083

(Blood sampling for culture and interpreting microbiological findings at suspicion of infective endocarditis)

Jiří Beneš
Klinika infekčních nemocí, 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy a Fakultní nemocnice Bulovka, Praha, Česká republika

Blood culture, together with echocardiography, is the basic examination used in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. The article summarizes the principles of correct blood sampling for culture, from the classic principles to the modern approach of a single collection of 40-60 ml of blood. The author explains under what conditions the modern concept is advantageous and when, on the contrary, it can be problematic. The article also describes the most common mistakes that doctors make when taking blood cultures and interpreting microbiological findings. The text is intended primarily for cardiologists but it can also be useful for physicians of other specialties.

Keywords: Automated blood culture systems, Bacteriemia, Blood culture, Infective endocarditis, Time-to-detection

Received: May 23, 2025; Revised: July 7, 2025; Accepted: July 28, 2025; Prepublished online: June 2, 2012; Published: October 6, 2025  Show citation

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Beneš J. (Blood sampling for culture and interpreting microbiological findings at suspicion of infective endocarditis). Cor Vasa. 2025;67(4):449-456. doi: 10.33678/cor.2025.083.
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