Diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection is a potentially serious condition with a mortality rate of 12% to 25%. Catheter-related bacteremia is difficult to diagnose, and clinical manifestations of the condition have proved to be unspecific and often inconclusive. Microbiologic techniques to diagnose catheter-related bloodstream infection have been developed, some of which require catheter removal whereas others do not. Differential time to positivity has demonstrated marked accuracy and practicality as it allows the catheter to remain in place. Many other methods, such as skin or hub cultures, show less remarkable results, and some, such as intraluminal brushing, may produce adverse effects. Once a catheter-related bloodstream infection is diagnosed, it is classified as either complicated or uncomplicated and treated accordingly.