Central line infection

Micro Organisms

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus

Duration

Duration according to specialist advice

Notes

Important: Therapy

  • Take peripheral and central line cultures before starting empirical antibiotics.
  • If line is removed, send tip for culture.
  • If Staph. aureus is isolated in the blood, the line should be removed and a minimum of 14 days of appropriate antibiotics given – refer to Staph.aureus (SAB) algorithm.
  • [Locking lines with antibiotics is not generally recommended – contact microbiology for advice]

First Line

Important: Therapy

Remove or replace catheter wherever possible.

Vancomycin IV as per guideline

Use preferred calculator on Hospital portals page [intranet access only] or calculator on app for intermittent dosing

- given via the infected line if not possible to remove the catheter

[NB: For Haematology/Oncology patients refer to specific local guidance]