Catheter Tip Culture

Once catheter tip is selected as the source of the specimen, a further description can be entered using the source dictionary. For instance:

CEN- Central Line

HICC- Hickman Catheter

PIC- Pic Catheter tip

TIP- Catheter Tip

Foley Catheters are not acceptable for culture.

Use the free text comment section to define the exact location of where the specimen was obtained from for a more accurate processing of the specimen.

Please submit Blood cultures to correlate the diagnosis of catheter related sepsis.

Foreign Device - Catheter Tip 

Any catheter that is removed from the body, may be submitted for culture (see unacceptable catheter tips)

The specimen should be aseptically transferred to a sterile container.

NOTE: Observe aseptic technique, hold the exposed end of the catheter and carefully remove the catheter from the patient with sterile instrument, taking care to avoid contact with exposed skin. Holding the distal end over a sterile container, cut the tip with a sterile scissors, dropping the last 2-3 inches into the sterile container.

Acceptable Catheter Tips:

CVP Tip

Hickman Catheter Tip

PICC line Tip

Central Line Tip

Femoral line Tip

Pulmonary Artery Tip

Dialysis line Tip

Intraventricular Drain Tip

Port-a-cath Tip

Following Catheter Tips are unacceptable for culture:

Foley Catheter Tip

G-tube Tip

Chest tube Tip

Endotracheal tube Tip

Arterial line Tip

Penrose Tip

Jackson-Pratt Tip

Daily

Transport Tip to the Laboratory as soon as possible after collection. 

If delays in transportation, Store at refrigerator temperature.

The specimen should be stored refrigerated, and when brought to the lab the specimen should be refrigerated until processed.

Bacterial counts are not valid if not stored at the proper temperature.