Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026

An In Vitro Bladder Model of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection
Published on: June 24, 2025
Diagnosis of intravascular catheter infection
1Department of Adult Intensive Care Medicine and Burn Centre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland. philippe.eggimann@chuv.ch
Purpose Of Review:
To review the distinction between catheter-related and catheter-associated infections and to report the recent advances in the methods used for their diagnosis.
Recent Findings:
The distinction between device-associated and device-related infections affects the effective benchmarking of the rates of both types of infection. Numerous microbiological methods have been described to diagnose these infections. Studies comparing the performance of microbiological methods that avoid the removal of the intravascular device have recently suggested that they may be effective in daily life.
Summary:
The present review summarizes recent advances in the methods currently available to diagnose intravascular catheter-related infections and their performance at the bedside.
Insights
This review clarifies catheter-related versus catheter-associated infections. Recent diagnostic methods for intravascular catheter infections are highlighted, focusing on bedside performance.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Distinguishing between catheter-related and catheter-associated infections is crucial for accurate benchmarking.
- Accurate diagnosis of intravascular catheter infections impacts patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the differentiation between catheter-related infections and catheter-associated infections.
- To present recent advancements in diagnostic methodologies for these infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on diagnostic techniques for intravascular catheter infections.
- Analysis of microbiological methods for diagnosing device-associated infections.
Main Results:
- The distinction between device-associated and device-related infections influences infection rate benchmarking.
- Emerging microbiological methods show promise for diagnosing infections without device removal.
- Bedside diagnostic performance of current methods is summarized.
Conclusions:
- Recent advances offer improved bedside diagnostic capabilities for intravascular catheter-related infections.
- Understanding the nuances between infection types aids in effective infection control strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Cardiac Catheterization I: Pre-Procedure Overview
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

