Performing the Correct Blood Test

Performing the Correct Blood Test in the Emergency Room before Giving an Antibiotic

It's important for pneumonia patients in the Emergency Room to receive antibiotic treatments as soon as possible. It's equally vital they be blood-tested before treatment begins so that they are given the most effective antibiotic.

Why Is This Important?

Different varieties of bacteria can cause pneumonia. To prescribe the most effective antibiotic for treatment, health care providers must identify the particular type of bacteria involved. A blood culture test can identify the bacteria and tell physicians what to prescribe.

What Does This Graph Show?

The graph illustrates the percentage of Parkland patients with pneumonia who had a blood culture test in the Emergency Room before receiving antibiotic treatment, compared to both the Texas and U.S. averages.

Source: hospitalcompare.hhs.gov

* The descriptions of these core measures have been modified from what is available on http://www.medicare.gov/hospitalcompare for better understanding.

For more information about this report or what it shows, please contact 214.590.8054

Updated 5.1.14