Individual versus pooled multiple-lumen blood cultures for the diagnosis of intravascular catheter-related infections.

Background: The current gold standard method for diagnosis of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) requires central venous catheter removal and a positive culture of the CVC tip with a positive peripheral blood culture.

Study Design: Comparative study.

Methods: We compared individual blood cultures from each catheter lumen versus a pooled-blood culture bottle containing blood samples from every catheter lumen for the diagnosis of CLABSI.

Impact of daily chlorhexidine baths and hand hygiene compliance on nosocomial infection rates in critically ill patients.

Background: Up to 25% of all nosocomial infections (NIs) develop in critically ill patients. Our objective was to evaluate chlorhexidine (CHX) bathing and hand hygiene (HH) compliance in the reduction of NIs in the intensive care unit.

Methods: The study comprised three 6-month periods: preintervention (PIP; soap/water bathing), intervention (IP; bathing with CHX-impregnated wipes), and postintervention (PoIP; soap/water bathing).