Feasibility of obtaining peripheral blood cultures
| Characteristics | Successful Venipuncture | No Peripheral Blood Obtained |
|---|---|---|
| Total, n (%) | 39 (75) | 13 (25) |
| BC obtained without problems, n (%) | 30 (57.6) | N/A |
| BC obtained with problems, n (%) | 9 (17.3) | N/A |
| Poor veins, n (%) | 3a | 4 (7.7) |
| Collapsing veins, n | 3a | 0 |
| iv Nurse to draw BC, n | 3a | 0 |
| First attempt failed, n (%) | 7a | 4 (7.7) |
| Second attempt failed, n | 3a | 3b |
| Third attempt failed, n | 0 | 3b |
| Third attempt successful, n | 3a | N/A |
| Patient refused venipuncture, n (%) | N/A | 5 +1b,c (9.6) |
Data on feasibility of obtaining blood cultures (BCs) from peripheral veins during hemodialysis. In the first year of the study, additional data were collected on the ease and barriers to obtaining a peripheral BC. N/A, not applicable.
↵a Multiple reasons for problems during venipuncture reported.
↵b Patients already accounted for in the first failed attempt.
↵c Five patients refused venipuncture immediately (and one after the first failed attempt).