Clinical use
Investigation of Line tips e.g.: CVP or Hickman lines.
Background
Cannula-related infections are amongst the most important nosocomial infections. Skin colonisation (which is often asymptomatic) acts as a precursor of systemic or localised infection. The overall incidence of infection related to the use of intravascular cannulas is about 1%, however this figure may be as high as 4-8% for central venous cannulas used for total parenteral nutrition. In high-risk patients, central venous line infections carry a significant mortality rate and a high cost.
Patient preparation
- Disinfect the skin around the cannula entry site, remove cannula using aseptic technique, and ideally cut off 4cm of the tip into an appropriate CE marked leak proof container using sterile scissors.
- Place in sealed plastic bags for transport.
- Note: Cannulae should only be sent if there is evidence of infection
Specimen requirements
Line tips should be sent in CE marked sterile containers.
Limitations & restrictions
Collect specimens before starting antimicrobial therapy where possible.
Urinary catheter tips will not be processed. For suspected catheter related infection, please send urine.
Turnaround time
4 days
Analysing laboratory
Microbiology Lab, James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, TS4 3BW
Additional information
If transport is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature.
Note: Refrigerated storage of intravascular line tips does not significantly decrease the yield of culture.