In the medical laboratory setting, SPS refers to Sodium polyanethole sulfonate, a common anticoagulant. Specifically, its use is predominant in blood culture collection.
Role of SPS in Blood Cultures
SPS is vital for blood cultures, which aim to detect the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Here's how it works:
- Anticoagulant: SPS prevents blood from clotting, allowing for a better assessment of bacterial presence.
- Commercial Blood Culture Bottles: According to provided reference material, blood from patients suspected of having bacteremia is collected into sterile bottles that have growth media containing SPS. This supports bacterial growth if bacteria are present in the blood sample.
- Bacterial Culture: By preventing coagulation, SPS enables any bacteria present in the blood to grow within the culture medium, facilitating detection and identification.
In summary, SPS plays a critical role in blood cultures by preventing blood clotting and allowing for the growth and detection of bacteria.
