Cannula tip culture

Microbiology

Notes

• The information given here is intended for use by healthcare professionals. Please see Lab Tests Online-UK for more general advice, links and background.
• Suitable types of line: venous and arterial long lines, PICC lines, tunnelled central lines (e.g. Groshong)
  
• Unsuitable types of line: peripheral venous cannulae
  
• Routine culture of line tips is not indicated in the absence of clinical features of line infection.
  
• If line-associated bacteraemia is suspected, then peripheral and line blood cultures should also be sent
  

Sample requirements

30mL sterile universal container

• Withdraw the cannula tip
  
• Immediately cut off the terminal 4cm into the sterile container using sterile scissors
  

Required information

• Type of line
  
• Clinical features of sepsis
  
• If patient is on TPN
  
• Recent, current and intended antibiotics
  

Storage/transport

Store and transport at room temperature. Samples should be transported to the laboratory with minimal delay.

Turnaround time

2–3 days