All blood culture contamination is local

Blood culture contamination (BCC) has historically been a major issue with clinical and financial implications. Recent studies have shown that initial specimen diversion devices (ISDDs) can help reduce BCC, but a recent large study by C. Vieni, M. Legried, J. Mainella, K. Bute, et al. (J Clin Microbiol 64:e00085-26, 2026, https://doi.org/10.1128/jcm.00085-26) demonstrates that a major concern with ISDD implementation is blood culture collector dissatisfaction with the utilization of ISDDs and subsequent avoidance when use is optional. A variety of local factors may limit the potential impact of ISDDs.