Abstract: Objective: To investigate the current status of standardization in blood culture collection practices among clinical nurses in China, provide a basis for developing training and quality improvement strategies. Methods: An questionnaire survey was conducted from December 1 to 9, 2025, using convenience sampling to investigate registered nurses about their knowledge and practices regarding blood culture collection. The questionnaire was designed based on a systematic review of relevant guidelines and literature. Results: A total of 40,125 valid questionnaires were collected. The proportions of nurses whose knowledge of blood culture collection indications and timing was consistent with guidelines or relevant evidence-based results were 32.74% and 11.71%. The proportions of consistency in nurses whose practices for bottle stopper disinfection and adult skin antisepsis were 23.36% and 35.12%. The proportions of consistency in nurses whose knowledge of appropriate blood volume per bottle for adults and children were 66.10% and 32.69%. Awareness rates for precautions related to blood inoculation into culture bottles ranged from 29.94% to 66.87%. The rate of complete specimen information labeling was 36.53%. The proportions of nurses accurately mastering transport time limits and storage conditions were 23.41% and 51.94%. Conclusion: This study reveals significant deficiencies in the consistency of practices among clinical nurses in China with guidelines/evidence-based results across multiple key steps. It is recommended to develop and promote detailed standardized operating procedures, implement systematic training targeting weak links, and establish a multidisciplinary closed-loop quality management system to improve the pre-analytical quality of blood cultures.

Key words: blood culture; nurse; specimen collection; practice standardization; cross-sectional study