Blood Culture Performed

The Reading Hospital percentages displayed in this graph reflect discharges during second quarter 2011. State and national rates from the US Department of Health & Human Services are for discharges between October 2009 and September 2010.

Why is this important?

Different types of bacteria can cause pneumonia. A blood culture is a test that lets the healthcare provider know which bacteria may have caused your pneumonia, and which antibiotic should be prescribed. It is best to do the blood culture within 24 hours of arrival at the Hospital and before antibiotics are started. It is also important to start antibiotics as soon as possible. A blood culture lets your healthcare provider know how to best treat you and if any precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of your illness.

Our approach to improving performance:

We provide ongoing staff education, and have updated the forms used by our doctors and nurses to assure that blood cultures are performed for all pneumonia patients in a timely manner.