Blood Culture Data Collection on PQAD

Join us on Tuesday 28th April for a Lunch and Learn session on PQAD Blood Culture Data Collection.

Blood culture is the primary diagnostic test for bloodstream infections (including sepsis) and guides appropriate antimicrobial treatment, yet national audits continue to show poor compliance against standards and guidelines, with the 2023/24 NHS England baseline audit highlighting low achievement of correct blood volumes (26%) and timely loading into analysers (61%).

To address this, a two‑pronged approach is proposed: national data collection via PQAD alongside AMS leads and local change agents supporting blood culture pathway (BCP) improvement with phased collection of key metrics—initially focusing on time to analyser and neonatal negative reporting time in Q1 FY 2026/27, expanding in Q3 FY 2026/27 to include fill volume and number of sets—enabling benchmarking, service improvement, access to funding, contract compliance ahead of the FY 2026/27 NHS Standard Contract, and real‑time visibility through Model Health System–aligned dashboards.

This will be held virtually and a teams link will be sent closer to the date.

Questions about this event?

Name: hardeep basan

Email: h.basan@nhs.net

Telephone: 07853887223