Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026
Candida albicans Biofilm Development on Medically-relevant Foreign Bodies in a Mouse Subcutaneous Model Followed by Bioluminescence Imaging
Published on: January 27, 2015
Microbiological colonization of peripheral venous catheters: a prospective observational study in a Swedish county
D Juhlin1, F Hammarskjöld1,2, S Mernelius3
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Ryhov County Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden.
Background:
Most peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) used in Scandinavia are fitted with an injection port, creating an open PVC system. This port is difficult to disinfect, which may lead to the introduction of micro-organisms upon use.
Aim:
To investigate the prevalence of microbiological colonization of the injection port and internal lumen of ported PVCs with a minimum dwell time of 48 h at sample collection.
Methods:
Adult patients admitted to different medical and surgical departments and the intensive care unit were invited to participate in this prospective observational study. With the PVC in situ, the injection port and internal lumen were swabbed and cultured separately. Demographic and clinical data were collected to compare patients with colonized and non-colonized PVCs.
Findings:
In total, 300 PVCs from 300 patients were analysed. Of these, 33 patients (11.0%) had at least one positive culture. The colonization locations were as follows: port only, 26 (8.7%); internal lumen only, 5 (1.7%); and port and internal lumen, 2 (0.7%). The colonization rate was significantly higher in the injection port than in the internal lumen (P<0.0001). A ported PVC inserted in the hand incurred a significant risk of colonization (P=0.03). The odds ratio for colonization among patients in the infectious diseases department was 0.1 (95% confidence interval 0.1-1; P<0.06) compared with patients in the medical department.
Conclusion:
This study showed that 11% of ported PVCs were colonized by micro-organisms, with the vast majority (8.7%) of colonization occurring in the injection port.
Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov; ID NCT03351725.
Insights
Microbial colonization affects 11% of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs), primarily in the injection port. This highlights risks associated with open PVC systems and the need for improved disinfection protocols.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) with injection ports are common in Scandinavia, creating an open system.
- The injection port's design poses challenges for disinfection, potentially leading to microbial contamination.
- This study addresses the prevalence of microbial colonization in these commonly used devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiological colonization rate of injection ports and internal lumens of ported PVCs.
- To assess colonization in catheters with a minimum indwelling time of 48 hours.
- To identify risk factors associated with PVC colonization.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study involving 300 adult patients across various medical and surgical departments, including the ICU.
- Swabbing and culturing of the injection port and internal lumen of indwelling PVCs.
- Collection of demographic and clinical data for comparative analysis between colonized and non-colonized cases.
Main Results:
- 11.0% of analyzed PVCs (33/300) showed microbial colonization.
- Colonization was significantly more prevalent in the injection port (8.7%) compared to the internal lumen (1.7%).
- PVCs inserted in the hand presented a higher risk of colonization (P=0.03).
Conclusions:
- 11% of ported PVCs were found to be colonized by microorganisms.
- The injection port is the primary site for microbial colonization in these devices.
- Findings underscore the importance of effective disinfection of injection ports to prevent catheter-related infections.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management