In our unit, blood cultures are frequently collected via peripheral cannulae at the time of insertion. Blood cultures taken in this manner are less likely to be contaminated than cultures collected via separate vascular puncture.

Almost one-third of pregnancies complicated by PROM before 24 weeks resulted in pre-viable preterm delivery. In pregnancies continuing to a viable gestation, there remained a significant risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity, primarily due to respiratory disease.