Background: Blood culture samples handling is considered the most common and important procedures that is performed by nurses in intensive care units. Blood cultures contamination can occur when the blood culture samples are not handled properly. Blood cultures frequently become contaminated during the phase of collection leading to downstream recovery. So, nurses play vital role in eliminating of the problems which may occur due to mishandling of blood culture samples. In this study the nurses of one public and one private hospital were observed drawing peripheral blood culture samples and central venous catheter blood culture samples.  

Aim: This study aimed to assess level of practice regarding blood culture samples handling among nurses in public and private healthcare sector.

Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional research design was used to conduct this study. This study was conducted at intensive care units of one private and one public hospital in Lahore.

Results: The results of study revealed that the mean age of participants was 1.50, with a standard deviation of 0.508. Developing periodic training programs for nurses regarding care of patients undergoing blood culture sampling are recommended to update their knowledge and put into practice. Majority of participants had good practices regarding handling of blood cultures in public and private sector hospitals.

Conclusion: The results of the current study showed that most of the participants had moderate to good practices and few have poor practices. Lack of awareness was found a major barrier to blood culture samples handing among nurses.

Keywords: Peripheral blood culture samples handing, Central venous catheter devices blood culture samples, contamination, Blood cultures