This is a prospective study of pediatric patients between 0-15 years of age who were admitted in three pediatric wards: general pediatric ward aged <5 years, general pediatric ward aged >5 years, and pediatric intensive care unit at a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Patients who needed percutaneous blood cultures were eligible for enrollment and were classified into two groups according to antiseptic used: 10% povidone iodine in odd months and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol in even months. Blood cultures were taken primarily by ward nurses using standard technique. The blood cultures were analysed and monitored for 5 days. Isolated organisms and their antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined using standard microbiologic techniques.