Sonication did not provide reliability to Maki technique for catheter related bloodstream infection diagnosis

L Lorente1, M Lecuona, A Pérez-Llombet

  • 1Leonardo Lorente. Intensive Care Unit. Hospital Universitario de Canarias. Ofra, s/n. La Laguna - 38320. Tenerife. Spain. lorentemartin@msn.com.

Abstract

Insights

The Maki technique is more reliable than sonication for diagnosing catheter tip colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI). Combining sonication with the Maki technique did not improve diagnostic accuracy for these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Diagnostics
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential in intensive care units (ICUs) but pose a risk of catheter-related infections (CRIs).
  • Accurate diagnosis of catheter tip colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is crucial for timely and appropriate patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy of the Maki technique and sonication for catheter tip colonization and CRBSI.
  • To evaluate the added value of combining sonication with the Maki technique.

Main Methods:

  • An observational, prospective study was conducted in an ICU.
  • Patients with CVCs and suspected CRIs underwent Maki technique followed by catheter tip sonication.
  • Diagnostic performance was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC) for Maki, sonication, and combined techniques.

Main Results:

  • The Maki technique demonstrated a higher AUC than sonication for diagnosing both CRBSI (p=0.02) and catheter tip colonization (p=0.03).
  • No significant difference in AUC was observed between the Maki technique and the combination of Maki and sonication for either diagnosis (p=0.32).
  • Sonication alone detected only one case of catheter tip colonization and no cases of CRBSI.

Conclusions:

  • Sonication does not enhance the diagnostic reliability of the Maki technique for catheter tip colonization or CRBSI.
  • The Maki technique remains a valuable diagnostic tool for CVC-related infections in the ICU setting.