Many of the variables that affect the laboratory diagnosis of bacteremia and fungemia have been addressed in this article. Whereas the scientific basis and principles for blood cultures are well-established, and the methodology has improved, the diagnosis of bacteremia and fungemia still depends greatly on the care that is taken in obtaining the specimens of blood and the skill of the clinician in interpreting positive results.
Division of Allergy, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.
