Haematology

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NHS Lothian

Haematology Septic Screen

The following screen must be completed for all patients with a fever (≥38oC), or with signs/symptoms of infection.

The order set ‘Haematology Septic Screen’ on TRAK can be used, sample site needs added to swabs ordered.

Bacteriology C&S
Sample	Sample type
MSU	Universal container
Blood cultures Peripheral blood All Hickman line lumens (Label carefully)	Blood culture bottles
Faeces	Universal container
Sublingual swab	Transwab medium
Perineal swab	Transwab medium
Throat swab	Transwab medium
Nasal swab	Transwab medium
Others swabs as appropriate e.g., Hickman exit Wound site / skin	Transwab medium
Sputum (if produced)	Universal container
Mycology
Sample	Sample type
MSU	Universal container
Mouth swab	Transwab medium
Perianal	Transwab medium
Sublingual	Transwab medium
Sputum	Sterile container
Faeces	Sterile container
Toxoplasma PCR Must be sent on as whole blood to Ref Lab. Please label as “Do not spin”.	4.5ml red topped tube (EDTA)
Virology
Sample	Sample type
Adenovirus, CMV, EBV (if Medic requests)	4.5ml red topped tube (EDTA)
JCV PCR (if Medic requests)	4.5ml red topped tube (EDTA)
Respiratory virus PCR on nose and throat swab	Molecular sampling solution. Both swabs in same bottle.
Sputum (if produced)	Universal container
Faeces (if diarrhoea)	Universal container
Skin Swab (if VZV or HSV suspected)	Molecular sampling solution

Please note that the table below may need to be scrolled horizontally or vertically in order to view all information, depending on your device.

Patient	Look up patient on TRAK/Chemocare to ascertain: Diagnosis – Why are thy attending for PAN MAN?(Post SACT, Post PBSCT, Chronic pancytopenia management) Threshold for products How does the patient normally present? Baseline Observations Cannulate and take bloods include FBC, U/E, Group & Save, LFTs
Ask	Ask patient: If they have any blood blisters, bruising or bleeding If they are feeling well If they need pre meds prior to blood products If they need any take home medication
Neutrophils	Is the patient neutropenic? Do they need GCSF (post SACT) Do they need prophylactic medications?
Monitor	Observations: Are they normal for the patient? Weight: Do they require dietician input? Mouth: Ulcers? Mucositis? Would mouth washes or medication be beneficial? Blood products: Platelets – Observations pre and post RCC – Observations pre and 15 mins after starting transfusion then at the end
Act	If patient is pyrexial act immediately and start SEPSIS 6. (Use SEPSIS 6 order set on TRAK for bloods)
Need	How often does patient need to attend for PAN MAN? Do they need more appointments?

Last reviewed: 12/01/2026

Next review date: 12/01/2027

Author(s): Lizi Trafford.

Author email(s): Lizi.Trafford@nhs.scot.

Approved By: Jennifer Baxter

Reviewer name(s): Lizi Trafford.