Contamination of intravenous fluids: a continuing cause of hospital bacteremia.

Background: Nosocomial bacteremia caused by the contamination of intravenous (IV) infusates is considered rare. Unfortunately, this problem has been underestimated because its identification requires culturing infusates, a procedure not performed routinely.

Methods: This study was conducted in a referral hospital where IV infusates are admixed in nursing areas.