Catheter culture
When to request this test
A catheter culture is performed when there is suspicion of catheter-related bloodstream infection (fever, chills, positive blood culture) or local catheter infection (erythema, pus, pain, swelling, induration).
Interferences & limitations
- Contamination by skin flora during sampling: follow careful aseptic sampling procedure
- If the catheter is removed, collect only the intraluminal part of the catheter
- Swabbing for pus at the catheter emergence point is not recommended due to the surrounding skin flora
- Antibiotic treatment before sampling can inhibit bacterial growth and skew results
2 days
- Sample nature: Intraluminal end of catheter
- Recommended volume: 1 cm
- Type of container: Sterile container (cup or tube)
<2h at room temperature