In situ diagnosis of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection: a comparison of quantitative culture, differential time to positivity, and endoluminal brushing.

Objective: To compare the accuracy of three techniques that do not require central venous catheter removal to diagnose catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Design: Prospective cohort study of central venous catheters from suspected cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Setting: University teaching hospital.