[Rapid diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection using bioluminescence assay]

Rapid diagnosis of the central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) is especially crucial in critical care settings. In this study, we applied bioluminescence assay method (BA method) to measure the levels of ATP, as a representative of bacterial count of the catheter tip. The efficacy of BA method was evaluated in comparison with Brun-Buisson method (BB method), a commonly used, semi-quantitative microbiological culture technique. Significant differences were detected in the ATP levels by BA method, 177 [935] vs. 1337 [5198] RLU(median [interquartile range: IQR]) between BB-negative and BB-positive group (p = 0.012). The sensitivity/specificity for the detection of BB-positive results was 88.9%/68.8% and 100.0%/65.7%, if we set the cutoff value of BA method as 500 and 300 RLU, respectively. BA method, a less time-consuming technique, could become a useful option for the rapid screening for CR-BSI.