Rapid identification of organisms from blood cultures.

A rapid method is described for the identification of organisms directly from blood culture broths, using antisera to group specific antigens and various commercially available serological and biochemical reagents. The technique identified clinically significant organisms within 1 to 3 h of a positive signal in the BACTECTM blood culture system. The method is of value in providing more rapid diagnoses and treatment of patients, and could be applied to other blood culture systems.