EVALUATION OF BLOOD CULTURES OBTAINED BY CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the use of blood sa mples obtained through central venous catheters (CVC) in the diagnosis of bacteremias in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A prospective randomized study was carried out in which 125 b lood samples obtained by CVC were compared with 125 samples simultaneo usly obtained by venopuncture. RESULTS: In 105 sample pairs (84%) the results of both samples were in agreement (Kappa index 0.61). The sens itivity of the technique in the diagnosis of bacteremia was 76.5%, spe cificity 86.8% positive predictive value 68.4% and negative predictive value 90.8%. No differences were found in the efficacy of the techniq ue carried out by venous punction or that of the samples obtained thro ugh catheters inserted in subclavian, femoral and antecubital veins (p =0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Blood cultures Obtained through central venous ca theters constitute a technical alternative for the diagnosis of bacter emia in cases in which venopunction in difficult or of doubtful asepsi a.