[Assessment of microbial growth in central venous catheters. Consequences of laboratory findings]

The tips of 92 central venous catheters (CVK) cultured according to a method for semiquantitative assessment of microbial growth revealed positive findings (greater than or equal to 15 bacterial colonies) in 44 (48%) and in 22 cases monocultures were found. Blood culture was performed in 20 cases and, in eight cases, catheter-related bacteriaemia was found, six of these being caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Contact with the clinical department resultated in commencement or alteration of antibiotic therapy which was relevant to the results of culture was only administered in 10 out of 44 cases. This is perhaps connected with the fact that removal of the catheter is adequate treatment in the majority of cases. The relatively great laboratory work be compared with the modest therapeutic benefits. Culture from CVK should not be undertaken routinely but may be recommended on more limited indications: suspected septicaemia originating in the catheter and/or signs of local infection. Blood culture from a peripheral vein should always be performed simultaneously.