Quantitative Intravascular Catheter Line or Tip Bacterial Culture Quantitative

This test uses a semi-quantitative method for culturing intravascular catheter line tip specimens to distinguish infection from contamination. Counts >= 15 CFU are considered significant. This culture should be ordered in conjunction with Quantitative blood cultures taken prior to catheter removal. See Blood Culture & Sensitivity Quantitative [BLDQNC].

Gram stains are not recommended for catheter tips. Results are rarely of clinical significance.

This test is NOT intended for Foley catheters, or catheters from drains such as Jackson-Pratt or Penrose.

Catheter ports will be worked up like a wound culture, see Wound Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain [WNDC].

Collect two blood cultures, one through the catheter and one from a peripheral site, prior to catheter removal. See Blood Culture & Sensitivity Quantitative [BLDQNC].

Disinfect the skin prior to catheter removal. Remove the catheter with a sterile instrument, avoiding contact with the skin. With sterile scissors cut catheter tip and/or 5-7 cm of intracutaneous line segment and place in dry sterile container. Do NOT add saline or use transport media.

Note: Indicate exact line type or tip site.

Acceptable: Vascular cannulae, CVP lines, umbilical or IV catheters.

Unacceptable: Samples greater than 24 hours old. Foley catheters, catheters from drains such as Jackson-Pratt or Penrose.

Indicate line or tip, type, and location.

Reject Foley catheters. Reject specimens collected >24 hours prior to receipt.

If a catheter port or a drain tip such as Jackson-Pratt (JP) or Penrose is received, set up as WNDC.

If catheter tips are received in transport media or saline, set up as routine and note in culture report "Unable to quantitate, specimen received in transport media (or saline)."