In total, 5388 positive blood culture episodes were identified, of which 677 (12.6%) were BCC, mainly due to skin contaminants (91%). 154 (22.7%) and 217 (32.1%) were attributed to ICU and ER, respectively. A significant trend towards less BCC was found in the ICU (IRR [95%CI]: 0.96 [0.93-0.99]; P=0.047). A total of 13,393 HH opportunities were observed in the hospital, 1882 in the ICU, and 379 in the ER. The total numbers of HH opportunities before an aseptic task for hospital, ICU, and ER were 2558, 352, and 62, respectively. Average (range) HH compliance for hospital, ICU, and ER was 0.69 (0.59-0.76; IRR: 1.01; P<0.001), 0.62 (0.53-0.70; P=0.86), and 0.50 (0.22-0.74; P=98), respectively. A significant association between HH and BCC was found in the ICU (IRR [95%CI]: 0.99 [0.98-0.99]; P=0.004). No other association was identified.