Rapid isolation of bacteria from septicemic patients by use of an antimicrobial agent removal device.

The new Antimicrobial Removal Device increased the efficacy of conventional methods for isolating bacteria from the blood of septicemic patients. The device removes as much as 100 microgram of antibiotics per ml from whole blood without a significant decrease in bacteria. Of 51 patients studied, 31 yielded positive cultures, and the Antimicrobial Removal Device permitted earlier isolation of the causative agent from blood. Subcultured within the first 12 h yielded 12 positive isolates, as the 31 agents were isolated more rapidly after Antimicrobial Removal Device permitted earlier isolation of the causative agent from blood. Subcultures within the first 12 h yielded 12 positive isolates, as compared to 2 when subcultured without processing in the device. Overall, 21 of the 31 agents were isolated more rapidly after Antimicrobial Removal Device treatment, and four samples were positive only after such treatment. One agent was not isolated in the treated culture.