Final answer:
When blood is inoculated into blood culture bottles using a butterfly apparatus, the neck of the flask is broken off, allowing bacteria to reach the sterile broth inside and organism growth occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
When blood is inoculated into blood culture bottles using a butterfly apparatus, the process is typically efficient and minimizes the risk of contamination. The butterfly apparatus, a small-bore needle connected to flexible tubing, allows for precise venipuncture. During this procedure:
1. Aseptic Technique: Healthcare professionals adhere to strict aseptic technique to prevent contamination. The butterfly needle is sterile, reducing the risk of introducing microorganisms into the blood culture bottles.
2. Blood Culture Bottles: These bottles contain culture media designed to support the growth of microorganisms if present in the blood. The inoculation process aims to introduce a representative sample of blood into the bottles without introducing contaminants.
3. Effective Sampling: The butterfly apparatus facilitates accurate blood sampling, ensuring the integrity of the blood culture for diagnostic purposes, particularly in cases of suspected bloodstream infections.