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.