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Detection of central venous catheter-associated sepsis
European Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 1, 1985
Abstract:
To determine whether contamination of the catheter was the cause of pyrexis in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition through central venous catheters, semiquantitative culture of blood drawn through the line kept in place was performed. Eighty-three catheters from 75 patients were studied. The predictive value of a negative culture using this method was greater than 97%.
Insights
This study found that culturing blood from central venous catheters accurately identifies contamination causing fever in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition. The method offers a reliable way to diagnose catheter-related infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Central venous catheters are crucial for total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- Fever (pyrexis) in TPN patients can indicate catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
- Accurate diagnosis of catheter contamination is essential for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess if catheter contamination causes pyrexis in TPN patients.
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of semiquantitative blood cultures from central venous catheters.
Main Methods:
- Semiquantitative blood cultures were performed on blood drawn through indwelling central venous catheters.
- Eighty-three catheters from 75 patients receiving TPN were analyzed.
- The predictive value of negative cultures was calculated.
Main Results:
- The semiquantitative culture method demonstrated a high predictive value for negative results (>97%).
- This indicates the method is effective in ruling out catheter contamination as a cause of fever.
- The findings support the role of catheter contamination in TPN-related pyrexis.
Conclusions:
- Semiquantitative blood culture from central venous catheters is a reliable method for diagnosing contamination.
- This diagnostic approach aids in managing fever in TPN patients.
- The study confirms catheter contamination as a significant cause of pyrexis in this population.