Catheters (central venous, urinary, or other indwelling devices) can become colonized by microorganisms during use.

Culturing the tip of the catheter after removal helps identify pathogens responsible for catheter‑related infections.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing catheter‑related bloodstream infections (CRBSI).

Identifying pathogens colonizing indwelling catheters.

Guiding targeted antibiotic therapy in hospitalized or critically ill patients.

Provides definitive microbiological evidence for infection management and infection control.

Analyte: Microorganisms present on the catheter tip.

Normal Result: No growth (sterile catheter tip).

Abnormal Findings:

Positive culture: Indicates colonization or infection by pathogenic organisms (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida).

Sensitivity profile: Identifies antibiotics effective against the isolated organism.

Clinical Use:

Provides a direct microbiological diagnosis of catheter‑related infections.

Helps guide precise antimicrobial therapy.

Supports critical care, nephrology, oncology, infectious disease, and internal medicine evaluations.