Are three blood cultures sets really necessary for all febrile patients

Abstract The optimal number of blood culture sets (BCs) should be seen in the light of a significant number of additional blood culture contaminants (BCC) with subsequent BCs. A stronger selection of patients who need BCs is mandatory to limit BCC. The importance of the identification of bacteremia is less important than previously described for most patients. Additional BCs are associated with an increased rate of BCC who is responsible for increased costs.