A prospective study of central venous hemodialysis catheter colonization and peripheral bacteremia.

Abstract

Bacterial colonization of central venous catheters often leads to bacteremia. The time between insertion and colonization is very variable, but is universally present after 16 weeks. The risk of subsequent bacteremia is related not only to time left in situ, but also the degree of colonization. Surveillance cultures would allow clinicians to detect colonization before bacteremia occurs and take preventative measures.