Evaluation of culture techniques for identification of catheter-related infection in hemodialysis patients

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A prospective study was conducted over eight months to evaluate the usefulness of two culture techniques using different catheter parts for detection of bacterial colonization or catheter-related bacteremia in patients with jugular or subclavian hemodialysis catheters. A combination of semiquantitative culture of the external surface and quantitative culture of the intraluminal surface of the intradermal catheter segment provided the best means of detecting catheter colonization. For detection of catheter-related bacteremia, this combination had 100% sensitivity and a positive predictive value similar to the actual rate of catheter-related bacteremia.