Phlebotomy Guide

Blood Cultures

These should NOT be attempted with a syringe as this is unsafe. A special barrel and adapter must be used in conjunction with a butterfly set. Special instructions are provided in each blood culture bottle pack.

Order of Collection. When using a butterfly (the tubing of which contains air) collect the aerobic bottle first, followed by the anaerobic bottle, and then any other Vacutainer tubes if required (see order-of-draw above).