Sensitivity of a Blood Culture Drawn Through a Single Lumen of a Multilumen, Long-Term, Indwelling, Central Venous Catheter in Pediatric Oncology Patients

PURPOSE: The study assessed the sensitivity of a blood culture drawn from only one lumen of a multilumen, long-term, indwelling, central venous catheter in pediatric oncology patients. METHODS: Episodes of positive blood cultures were included if cultures were sent simultaneously from multiple lumens of a long-term, indwelling, central line and if the culture was thought to represent a true bacteremia. RESULTS: Discordant results from cultures drawn simultaneously from different lumens occurred in 13 (32%) of 41 episodes. The estimated sensitivity of a culture drawn from a single lumen was 84%. CONCLUSION: Drawing blood cultures from all lumens of these lines should be considered in this patient population.