The value of Gram staining of catheter segments for rapid detection of peripheral venous catheter infections

Aygun G. , Yasar H., Yilmaz M., Karasahin K., Dikmen Y. , Polat E. , ...More

DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE, vol.54, no.3, pp.165-167, 2006 (Journal Indexed in SCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 54 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2006
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2005.09.006
  • Title of Journal : DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
  • Page Numbers: pp.165-167

Abstract

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are common in hospitalized patients. Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used vascular access devices with usually low reported infection rates. We conducted a study to find the rate of PVC-related infections using semiquantitative (roll plate) and quantitative catheter culture techniques. We found significant growth in 9.5% of the PVCs by quantitative culture, which was predictive of a BSI in 43% of cases, which seems to be the major limitation of the method. We conclude that Gram stain is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for rapid detection of PVC infection. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Catheter-related bloodstream infections are common in hospitalized patients. Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are the most frequently used vascular access devices with usually low reported infection rates. We conducted a study to find the rate of PVC-related infections using semiquantitative (roll plate) and quantitative catheter culture techniques. We found significant growth in 9.5% of the PVCs by quantitative culture, which was predictive of a BSI in 43% of cases, which seems to be the major limitation of the method. We conclude that Gram stain is a fast and reliable diagnostic tool for rapid detection of PVC infection. (C) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.