Catheter-related bloodstream infection — ESEGH MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Obtain simultaneous peripheral and catheter blood cultures
The best answer is “Obtain simultaneous peripheral and catheter blood cultures”. Synchronous paired cultures allow comparison of growth and differential time to positivity while preserving possible line salvage. “Culture the catheter hub” is less appropriate because a hub swab cannot establish bloodstream infection “Take a peripheral culture” is less appropriate because without a line sample differential positivity cannot support catheter attribution “Remove the line immediately and culture the tip” is less appropriate because stable patients may be eligible for catheter salvage and diagnosis should not depend on automatic removal “defer until the next infusion before taking any cultures” is less appropriate because delaying samples risks missing timely diagnosis and treatment
Reference: BIFA CRBSI diagnostic recommendations: https://www.bapen.org.uk/pdfs/bifa/recommendations-for-crbsi-diagnosis-updated-june-24.pdf