While bacterial colonization of radial artery catheters is relatively common (25.4%), clinical catheter-related septicemia is rare (0.6%).
Radial artery catheters show low septicemia rates in children; observational data leave open need for prospective confirmation before practice change.
In 147 radial artery catheterizations performed, blanching or embolization was noted in 10.8% of the patients. Only a single episode of catheter-related septicemia was observed (0.6%). Mean duration of catheterization was 48 ± 6 hours. Of 110 catheters cultured 25.4% grew bacteria; most organisms cultured were non-pathogenic. Duration of catheterization and intravascular infusion did not alter the incidence of catheter colonization.
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Adams et al. (1980) studied this question.
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