Optimizing Time-to-Detection in Bloodstream Infections: Insights from a Real-World Evaluation of Modified BD BACTEC™ Media

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) remain a critical challenge in clinical care, where every hour of delay in diagnosis can significantly impact patient outcomes. This webinar explores findings from a real-world evaluation of modified BD BACTEC™ Plus Aerobic/F Culture Vials, designed to optimize time-to-detection (TTD) in blood cultures. We will review the study’s design and rationale, encompassing both analytical and clinical components, and present comparative data on TTD between predicate and modified media. Subgroup analyses—including Gram stain classification, high-prevalence organisms, and contamination-associated species—will highlight nuanced performance differences.
Beyond the data, we will examine the operational implications of earlier positivity, including its effect on laboratory workflow, resource allocation, and downstream processes such as organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and time to appropriate therapy. Finally, we will discuss how accelerating detection can influence patient care and sepsis management, underscoring the importance of continued innovation in blood culture technology to advance diagnostic efficiency and improve clinical outcomes.

Learning Objectives: 

• Describe the design and rationale of a real-world study evaluating modified BD BACTEC™ Plus Aerobic/F Culture Vials, including analytical and clinical components.
• Compare time-to-detection (TTD) between predicate and modified media, including subgroup findings such as Gram stain classification, high-prevalence organisms, and contamination-associated organisms.
• Discuss how faster detection and earlier positivity impact downstream processes—such as organism identification, susceptibility testing, time to appropriate therapy—and explain implications for laboratory workflow, operational efficiency, and patient care.
• Illustrate the importance of continued innovation in blood culture technology to improve sepsis management and advance laboratory diagnostics.