scholarly journals Time to Grow Positive Blood Cultures and Its Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Bacteremia Admitted to Intensive Care Unit

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Rashid Nadeem ◽  
Ashraf M. Elhoufi ◽  
Lamiaa Salama ◽  
Mayada Mahmoud ◽  
Islam Bon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Severity Of Illness ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Comorbid Conditions ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Causes Of Mortality ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Bloodstream infections are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. Time to positive blood culture may be reflective of the severity of infection. We aim to study the impact of time to positivity (TTP) of blood culture upon clinical outcome. Methods: Data from blood cultures for 17 months duration reviewed. Outcome measures included in-hospital mortality and length of stay in ICU (LOSICU). TTP was determined for each sample. Demographics (age, gender, BMI, and nationality), APACHE-2 score for severity of illness, comorbid conditions, and other confounding factors were recorded. Results: One hundred and one patients with 346 positive blood cultures with mean age of 62 and mean APACHE-2 score of 18.9 + 9.7 (mean +SD) with overall observed mortality of 61%. Median TTP was 20.2 h with quartiles cutoff Q1 = 15.3, Q2 = 20.2, Q3 = 28, and range 8–104 h. Only APACHE-2 scores predict LOSICU. TTP is not a significant predictor for mortality or LOSICU. Discussion: Data on TTP of blood cultures have a complex interaction with clinical outcomes. Conclusion: TTP of blood cultures does not predict mortality or length of stay in ICU.

scholarly journals 53. Incidence of Bloodstream Infections and Outcomes in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S156-S157
Author(s):  
Aikaterini Papamanoli ◽  
Jeanwoo Yoo ◽  
Azad Mojahedi ◽  
Robin Jacob ◽  
Prabhjot Grewal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Blood Stream ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
High Flow ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Skin Microbiota ◽  
Prolonged Recovery ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with need for intensive care (IC), mechanical ventilation (MV), and prolonged recovery. These patients are thus predisposed to blood stream infections which can worsen outcomes. This risk may be aggravated by adjunctive therapies. Methods We reviewed the medical records of all adults admitted to Stony Brook University Hospital, NY, from March 1 to April 15, 2020 with severe COVID-19 pneumonia (requiring high-flow O2). Patients who received MV or died within 24h were excluded. Patients were followed until death or hospital discharge. We reviewed positive blood cultures (PBC) for pathogenic microorganisms, and calculated the incidence of bacteremia, rates of infective endocarditis (IE), and impact on mortality. Microbes isolated only once and belonging to groups defined as commensal skin microbiota were labelled as contaminants. We also examined the impact of adjunctive therapies with immunosuppressive potential (steroids and tocilizumab), on bacteremia. Results A total of 469 patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia were included (Table 1). Of these, 199 (42.4%) required IC and 172 (36.7%) MV. Median length of stay was 13 days (8–22) and 94 (20.0%) had PBC. Of these, 43 were considered true pathogens (bacteremia), with predominance of E. faecalis and S. epidermidis, and 51 were considered contaminants (Table 2). The incidence of bacteremia (43/469, 9.2%) was 5.1 per 1000 patient-days (95%CI 3.8–6.4). An echocardiogram was performed in 21 patients, 1 had an aortic valve vegetation (IE) by methicillin sensitive S. aureus. Bacteremia rates were nonsignificantly higher with steroids (5.9 vs 3.7 per 1000 patient-days; P=0.057). Use of tocilizumab was not associated with bacteremia (5.8 vs 4.8 per 1000 patient-days; P=0.28). Mortality was nonsignificantly higher in patients with (15/43, 34.9%) vs. without (108/426, 25.4%) bacteremia (P=0.20). Length of stay was the strongest predictor of bacteremia, with risk increasing by 7% (95%CI 6%-9%, P< 0.001) per additional day. Cohort Characteristics of Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia on High-Flow O2 (N= 469) All Microorganisms Isolated from Blood Cultures Conclusion The incidence of bacteremia was relatively low and IE was uncommon in this study of severe COVID-19 patients. Risk of bacteremia increased with longer hospital stay and with steroids use, but not with tocilizumab. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Evaluation of an Initial Specimen Diversion Device (ISDD) on Rates of Blood Culture Contamination in the Emergency Department

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 73-76
Author(s):  
Blake Buzard ◽  
Patrick Evans ◽  
Todd Schroeder
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Contamination Rate ◽  
Total Hospital Cost ◽  
Initial Specimen ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Secondary Outcomes ◽  
The Impact

Introduction: Blood cultures are the gold standard for identifying bloodstream infections. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends a blood culture contamination rate of <3%. Contamination can lead to misdiagnosis, increased length of stay and hospital costs, unnecessary testing and antibiotic use. These reasons led to the development of initial specimen diversion devices (ISDD). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of an initial specimen diversion device on rates of blood culture contamination in the emergency department.  Methods: This was a retrospective, multi-site study including patients who had blood cultures drawn in an emergency department. February 2018 to April 2018, when an ISDD was not utilized, was compared with June 2019 to August 2019, a period where an ISDD was being used. The primary outcome was total blood culture contamination. Secondary outcomes were total hospital cost, hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, vancomycin days of use, vancomycin serum concentrations obtained, and repeat blood cultures obtained.  Results: A statistically significant difference was found in blood culture contamination rates in the Pre-ISDD group vs the ISDD group (7.47% vs 2.59%, p<0.001). None of the secondary endpoints showed a statistically significant difference. Conclusions: Implementation of an ISDD reduces blood culture contamination in a statistically significant manner. However, we were unable to capture any statistically significant differences in the secondary outcomes.

scholarly journals The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the epidemiology of positive blood cultures in Swiss intensive care units: a nationwide surveillance study

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauro Damonti ◽  
Andreas Kronenberg ◽  
Jonas Marschall ◽  
Philipp Jent ◽  
Rami Sommerstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Nationwide Surveillance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Second Wave ◽  
Interim Period

Abstract Background Evidence about the impact of the pandemic of COVID-19 on the incidence rates of blood cultures contaminations and bloodstream infections in intensive care units (ICUs) remains scant. The objective of this study was to investigate the nationwide epidemiology of positive blood cultures drawn in ICUs during the first two pandemic waves of COVID-19 in Switzerland. Methods We analyzed data on positive blood cultures among ICU patients, prospectively collected through a nationwide surveillance system (ANRESIS), from March 30, 2020, to May 31, 2021, a 14-month timeframe that included a first wave of COVID-19, which affected the French and Italian-speaking regions, an interim period (summer 2020) and a second wave that affected the entire country. We used the number of ICU patient-days provided by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health as denominator to calculate incidence rates of blood culture contaminations and bloodstream infections (ICU-BSI). Incidence rate ratios comparing the interim period with the second wave were determined by segmented Poisson regression models. Results A total of 1099 blood culture contaminations and 1616 ICU-BSIs were identified in 52 ICUs during the study. Overall, more episodes of blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSI were observed during the pandemic waves, compared to the interim period. The proportions of blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSI were positively associated with the ICU occupancy rate, which was higher during the COVID-19 waves. During the more representative second wave (versus interim period), we observed an increased incidence of blood culture contaminations (IRR 1.57, 95% CI 1.16–2.12) and ICU-BSI (IRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.39). Conclusions An increase in blood culture contaminations and ICU-BSIs was observed during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave, especially in months when the ICU burden of COVID-19 patients was high.

scholarly journals 558. Evaluating Length of Stay Data for Use in Targeting Prevention of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bloodstream Infections

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S265-S265
Author(s):  
Katryna Gouin ◽  
Kelly M Hatfield ◽  
Sarah H Yi ◽  
Sujan Reddy ◽  
Hannah Wolford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Large Fraction ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Hospital Length ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Hospital Length Of Stay ◽  
Birth Date ◽  
Post Discharge

Abstract Background Evidence suggests that interventions such as MRSA decolonization are useful in the prevention of MRSA bloodstream infections (BSI) both during hospitalization and post-discharge. However, decolonization may be costly and have diminishing effectiveness when used on all inpatients. Hospital length of stay (LOS) is a known risk factor for MRSA BSI. To determine whether LOS could be useful in prioritizing patients for intervention, we aimed to evaluate (i) distribution of time from admission to hospital-onset (HO) MRSA BSI, and (ii) frequency and LOS of hospitalizations that preceded community-onset (CO) MRSA BSI. Methods MRSA-positive blood cultures among adults admitted to New York hospitals from 2013 to 20s16 were identified in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). We linked these data to admissions in New York’s hospital discharge dataset, the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS), where the NHSN blood culture collection date was between a patient’s SPARCS admission and discharge dates and there was an exact match for birth date, gender and facility. Time to MRSA BSI was defined as the number of days from admission (day 1) to collection of a blood culture positive for MRSA. We defined positive blood cultures collected on days 1–3 as CO, and those collected ≥day 4 as HO. Results We linked 10,425 (79%) MRSA BSIs from NHSN to SPARCS. 78% (8,147) of MRSA BSIs were CO and 22% (2,278) were HO. The median time to HO MRSA BSI was 10 days (IQR 6–21) (Figure 1), in contrast to the median LOS for all hospitalizations of 4 days (IQR 3–7). By definition, 35% of all hospitalizations were never at risk of HO MRSA BSI because their LOS was < 4 days. Among CO MRSA BSI, 48% were discharged from a hospital in the 90 days preceding their BSI (Figure 2). The median LOS of these prior hospitalizations was 8 days (IQR 5–14), and 87% were at least 4 days in length. Conclusion Over half of HO MRSA BSI occur on or after day 10 of hospitalization and a large fraction of CO MRSA BSI had a lengthy hospitalization shortly before their BSI diagnosis. Our results suggest that patients likely to have a long LOS could be evaluated as potential targets for prevention strategies (e.g., decolonization) to reduce both HO and CO MRSA BSI. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals Impact of a Rapid Blood Culture Assay for Gram-Positive Identification and Detection of Resistance Markers in a Pediatric Hospital

2016 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanna Felsenstein ◽  
Jeffrey M. Bender ◽  
Richard Sposto ◽  
Matthew Gentry ◽  
Carol Takemoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Hospital Cost ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Health Care Cost ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Median Length ◽  
Gram Positive ◽  
Resistance Markers ◽  
The Impact

Context Molecular diagnostics allow for rapid identification and detection of resistance markers of bloodstream infection, with a potential for accelerated antimicrobial optimization and improved patient outcomes. Although the impact of rapid diagnosis has been reported, studies in pediatric patients are scarce. Objective —To determine the impact of a molecular blood-culture assay that identifies a broad-spectrum of pathogens and resistance markers in pediatric patients with gram-positive bloodstream infections. Design Data on the time to antimicrobial optimization, the length of hospitalization, and the hospital cost following implementation of a rapid assay were prospectively collected and compared with corresponding preimplementation data. Results —There were 440 episodes from 383 patients included, 221 preimplementation episodes and 219 postimplementation episodes. Overall time to antimicrobial optimization was shortened by 12.5 hours (P = .006), 11.9 hours (P = .005) for bloodstream infections of Staphylococcus aureus specifically. Duration of antibiotics for those with probable blood-culture contamination with coagulase-negative staphylococci was reduced by 36.9 hours (P &lt; .001). Median length of stay for patients admitted to general pediatric units was 1.5 days shorter (P = .04), and median hospital cost was $3757 (P = .03) less after implementation. For S aureus bloodstream infections, median length of stay and hospital cost were decreased by 5.6 days (P = .01) and $13 341 (P = .03), respectively. Conclusions Implementation of molecular assay for the detection of gram-positive pathogens and resistance markers significantly reduced time to identification and resistance detection, resulting in accelerated optimization of therapy, shorter length of stay, and decreased health care cost.

scholarly journals 10. Impact of Infectious Disease Consultation and Theoretical Management Bundle in Patients with Candidemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S8-S8
Author(s):  
ifueko J Adeghe ◽  
Dima Kabbani ◽  
Tanis C Dingle ◽  
Justin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Culture ◽  
Hospital Mortality ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Candida Species ◽  
Research Study ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Outcome Data ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Study Investigator ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Candidemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia is not well established. We evaluated the impact of IDC and a management bundle on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia. Methods A retrospective chart review of adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with at least 1 blood culture growing Candida species identified at Alberta Precision Laboratories between December 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020 and hospitalized at the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada were included. Patients who died within 48 hours and those who left against medical advice within 24 hours of initial positive blood culture result were excluded. Demographics, management, and outcome data were collected. A complete management bundle was defined as having all the following elements performed: IDC, repeat blood cultures, empiric echinocandin therapy, ophthalmology consult, and echocardiogram. Results Thirty-one patients were included for study; mean age was 56 ± 17 years and 65% were male. 14 (45%) cases were admitted under critical care, 7 (23%) surgery, and 10 (32%) medicine. 3/17 (18%) required intensive care unit admission following candidemia diagnosis. Candida albicans was identified in more than half the cases. The primary source was intra-abdominal in 12 (39%), central-line associated in 8 (26%), and urinary in 6 (19%). IDC occurred in 27 cases (87%), echocardiogram in 22 (71%), ophthalmology consult in 10 (32%), and follow-up blood cultures in 30 (97%). 20 (65%) patients received empiric echinocandin. Of the remainder who received empiric fluconazole, 4 (36%) grew non albicans Candida species. Higher in-hospital mortality was observed in cases without IDC than those with IDC (4/4, 100% vs 8/27, 29.6%, p=0.016) and in those that did not have a complete bundle (12/25, 48% vs 0/6, p=0.059). However, IDC was not associated with the receipt of individual bundle components nor the complete bundle (p=NS). Conclusion In patients with candidemia, lower in-hospital mortality was observed in patients who received IDC. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings and assess whether the implementation of a candidemia management bundle is beneficial. Disclosures Dima Kabbani, MD, AVIR Pharma (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Speaker)Edesa Biotech (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Merck (Scientific Research Study Investigator)

scholarly journals 2014. Assessment of Cost, Morbidity, and Mortality Associated with Blood Culture Contamination

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S676-S676
Author(s):  
Kevin A Davis ◽  
Jacob Painter ◽  
Mrinmayee Lakkad ◽  
Ryan K Dare
Keyword(s):  
Blood Culture ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Antimicrobial Stewardship ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Hospital Charges ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
True Negative

Abstract Background Blood cultures are the primary diagnostic tool for bloodstream infections, but accuracy of results is dependent on collection technique. Decreasing blood culture contaminations is a priority for antimicrobial stewardship programs as false positives can expose patients to adverse effects of unnecessary antibiotics. In this study, we present an analysis comparing clinical outcomes and cost associated with false-positive and true negative blood cultures at our institution. Methods We conducted a single-center, retrospective, case–control study in patients admitted following blood culture collection in the emergency department from 2014 to 2018. Demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated in patients with false-positive blood cultures (cases) and negative blood cultures (controls). Contaminants were identified per American Society of Microbiology recommendations. Clinical outcomes were compared between cases and controls, and adjusted analyses were performed with logistic regression, linear regression, and generalized linear models controlling for age, race, body mass index, and sepsis. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS 9.4. Results A total of 1,102 cases and 11,266 controls were included in analysis. All clinical outcome measures were significantly higher in patients with contaminated blood cultures (see table). Select clinical outcomes remained significant when controlling for potential confounders. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest study evaluating the clinical and financial impact of blood culture contamination with inclusion of >1,000 cases during a 5-year period. Our study shows that blood culture contamination is associated with increased length of stay, unnecessary exposure to antibiotics and procedures, development of antibiotic-associated adverse events, and higher hospital charges as reported in smaller studies. However, this study is the first to the best of our knowledge reporting increased mortality associated with blood culture contamination. Implementation of innovative strategies to reduce contamination should be pursued. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should prioritize identification of contaminants and rapid de-escalation of inappropriate antibiotics in these patients to improve patient care. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

scholarly journals The smart activatable P2&3TT probe allows accurate, fast, and highly sensitive detection of Staphylococcus aureus in clinical blood culture samples

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina López-Álvarez ◽  
Marjolein Heuker ◽  
Jorrit W. A. Schoenmakers ◽  
Gooitzen M. van Dam ◽  
James O. McNamara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Blood Culture ◽  
Fluorescence Intensity ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Micrococcal Nuclease ◽  
Fluorescence Signal ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Culture Negative

Abstract Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Yet, there is currently no adequate diagnostic test for early and rapid diagnosis of SAB. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring the potential for clinical implementation of a nuclease-activatable fluorescent probe for early diagnosis of SAB. To this end, clinical blood culture samples from patients with bloodstream infections were incubated for 1 h with the “smart” activatable P2&3TT probe, the total assay time being less than 2 h. Cleavage of this probe by the secreted S. aureus enzyme micrococcal nuclease results in emission of a readily detectable fluorescence signal. Incubation of S. aureus-positive blood culture samples with the P2&3TT probe resulted in 50-fold higher fluorescence intensity levels than incubation with culture-negative samples. Moreover, incubation of the probe with non-S. aureus-positive blood cultures yielded essentially background fluorescence intensity levels for cultures with Gram-negative bacteria, and only ~ 3.5-fold increased fluorescence intensity levels over background for cultures with non-S. aureus Gram-positive bacteria. Importantly, the measured fluorescence intensities were dose-dependent, and a positive signal was clearly detectable for S. aureus-positive blood cultures with bacterial loads as low as ~ 7,000 colony-forming units/mL. Thus, the nuclease-activatable P2&3TT probe distinguishes clinical S. aureus-positive blood cultures from non-S. aureus-positive blood cultures and culture-negative blood, accurately, rapidly and with high sensitivity. We conclude that this probe may enhance the diagnosis of SAB.

scholarly journals Impact of the Revised Non–Culture-Based Methodology Criteria on Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s266-s266
Author(s):  
Geehan Suleyman ◽  
Thomas Chevalier ◽  
Nisreen Murad ◽  
George Alangaden
Keyword(s):  
Blood Culture ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Molecular Test ◽  
Current Definition ◽  
Previous Definition ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Results ◽  
Clabsi Rate

Background: The current NHSN guideline states that positive results from both blood cultures and non–culture-based testing (NCT) methodologies are to be used for central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance determination. A positive NCT result in the absence of blood cultures or negative blood cultures in patients who meet CLABSI criteria is to be reported to NHSN. However, the reporting criteria for NCT changed starting January 1, 2020: If NCT is positive and the blood culture is negative 2 days before or 1 day after, the NCT result is not reported. If the NCT is positive with no blood culture within the 3-day window period, the NCT result is reported in patients who meet CLABSI criteria. We estimated the impact of the new NCT criteria on CLABSI numbers and rates compared to the previous definition. Methods: At our facility, the T2Candida Panel (T2), an NCT, was implemented for clinical use for the detection of early candidemia and invasive candidiasis. The T2 is a rapid molecular test performed directly on blood samples to detect DNA of 5 Candida spp: C. albicans/C. tropicalis, C. glabrata/C. krusei, and C. parapsilosis. In this retrospective study performed at an 877-bed teaching hospital in Detroit, we reviewed the impact of discordant T2 results (positive T2 with negative blood cultures) on CLABSI rates from January 1, 2017, to September 30, 2019, based on the current definition, and we applied the revised criteria to estimate the new CLABSI numbers and rates for the same period. Results: Of 343 positive T2 results, 202 (58.9%) were discordant and qualified for CLABSI determination during the study period. Of these, 109 (54%) met CLABSI criteria based on the current definition and 11 (5%) met CLABSI criteria using the new definition (proportional P < .001), resulting in an 89.9% reduction. The CLABSI rate per 1,000 central-line days, which includes discordant T2 results, based on the current and new NCT criteria, are listed in Table 1. Conclusions: In institutions that utilize NCT such as T2, application of the new 2020 NCT NHSN definition would significantly reduce the CLABSI number and have a significant impact on the CLABSI rates and standardized infection ratios (SIRs).Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals 288. Follow-Up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Bacteremia: How Do They Impact Outcomes

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S144-S144
Author(s):  
Azza Elamin ◽  
Faisal Khan ◽  
Ali Abunayla ◽  
Rajasekhar Jagarlamudi ◽  
aditee Dash
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Antibiotic Treatment ◽  
Readmission Rate ◽  
Blood Cultures ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background As opposed to Staphylococcus. aureus bacteremia, there are no guidelines to recommend repeating blood cultures in Gram-negative bacilli bacteremia (GNB). Several studies have questioned the utility of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) in GNB, but the impact of this practice on clinical outcomes is not fully understood. Our aim was to study the practice of obtaining FUBCs in GNB at our institution and to assess it’s impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of adult patients, ≥ 18 years of age admitted with GNB between January 2017 and December 2018. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes in those with and without FUBCs. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, presumed source of bacteremia and need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Presence of fever, hypotension /shock and white blood cell (WBC) count on the day of FUBC was recorded. The primary objective was to compare 30-day mortality between the two groups. Secondary objectives were to compare differences in 30-day readmission rate, hospital length of stay (LOS) and duration of antibiotic treatment. Mean and standard deviation were used for continuous variables, frequency and proportion were used for categorical variables. P-value &lt; 0.05 was defined as statistically significant. Results 482 patients were included, and of these, 321 (67%) had FUBCs. 96% of FUBCs were negative and 2.8% had persistent bacteremia. There was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between those with and without FUBCs (2.9% and 2.7% respectively), or in 30-day readmission rate (21.4% and 23.4% respectively). In patients with FUBCs compared to those without FUBCs, hospital LOS was longer (7 days vs 5 days, P &lt; 0.001), and mean duration of antibiotic treatment was longer (14 days vs 11 days, P &lt; 0.001). A higher number of patients with FUBCs needed ICU care compared to those without FUBCs (41.4% and 25.5% respectively, P &lt; 0.001) Microbiology of index blood culture in those with and without FUBCs Outcomes in those with and without FUBCs FUBCs characteristics Conclusion Obtaining FUBCs in GNB had no impact on 30-day mortality or 30-day readmission rate. It was associated with longer LOS and antibiotic duration. Our findings suggest that FUBCs in GNB are low yield and may not be recommended in all patients. Prospective studies are needed to further examine the utility of this practice in GNB. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

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