Diagnostic accuracy of buffy coat culture compared to total blood culture in late-onset sepsis of the newborn.

Objectives: To study the potential of buffy coat culture as a diagnostic tool for neonatal late-onset sepsis.

Methods: This was a study of diagnostic accuracy in newborn infants born at 28-41 weeks of gestation, weighing >800g, with ≥8 points on the NOSEP-1 scale. Paired samples for total blood culture (TBC) and buffy coat culture were drawn.