title: Culture methods to evaluate central venous catheter sepsis.
abstract: Sepsis is a frequent complication of central venous catheters, but the diagnosis of catheter sepsis is not always clear-cut. A variety of culture methods is available to determine catheter-related septicemia. Each method has advantages and disadvantages for the clinician to consider. This article reviews qualitative, quantitative, and other culture methods applicable to both blood and the device.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Curtas
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tramposch
mesh_terms: D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D018805:Sepsis / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*