May 15, 2016 - By Sanders L - Originally Published: Modern Resident April/May 2016
"Bottom Line
Blood cultures are costly and often result in false positive results. They do not change management in immunocompetent non-ICU patients with cellulitis, pneumonia or pyelonephritis. They should be considered for immunocompromised patients, those with septic shock, suspected endocarditis, shaking chills, high fever, bandemia or indwelling catheters."