we don't rely on catheter tip culture to define CRBSI. and we don't routinely culture the skin segment either. if I understand correctly, if CRBSI is based on positive catheter culture, there could be false low rates.
--- Jennifer Kettle <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > When culturing for suspected infusion-related > infections is it necessary > to obtain both the catheter tip AND the catheter > skin segment for > culture? I am still working to develop a > standardized care set for our > computer system to help make the diagnosis of > suspected CRBSI easier as > well as to encourage consistency. I am also a member > of the infection > control committee here. The infection control > committee director (MD) > does not feel that it is necessary and compliance > with our current > policy to obtain the skin segment is next to none > anyhow. I am on the > fence as I am having difficulty interpreting the > 2006 standards in > regard to this. We are also in the process of > reviewing our current > policy regarding this procedure. Standard #58 under > practice criteria E. > states, "When culturing a central vascular catheter > segment, either the > catheter tip or a subcutaneous segment should be > submitted for culture." > Why would one ever want to culture just the skin > segment and not the > tip? Don't you need at least the tip for culture? > Any input is always > appreciated. Thanks in advance. Jenny > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
