Hospitals are facing a shortage of blood culture bottles, necessary for diagnosing bloodstream infections. This shortage could last into September. Healthcare providers are concerned about the potential impact on patient care, as identifying pathogens and their susceptibility to antibiotics is crucial for treatment. Hospitals are implementing measures to conserve supplies, such as using expired bottles and limiting unnecessary tests. Some hospitals are considering rationing the tests. FDA approval for the use of expired bottles is uncertain. Despite challenges, experts emphasize the importance of obtaining blood cultures in critical cases to ensure proper treatment. The shortage may lead to adjustments in healthcare practices and require careful decision-making.
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Blood culture bottle shortage challenges hospitals, labs| STAT
