Understanding Your Laboratory Test: A Patient's Guide to What It Is, How It Is Done, and What the Results Mean
This test identifies bacteria growing on the tip of a catheter to diagnose infections related to the catheter.
{"A catheter tip culture helps doctors identify if a catheter is causing an infection","The test involves sending the catheter tip to a laboratory for bacterial analysis","Results help determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment","Positive results indicate a catheter-related infection that may require catheter removal"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19128-8
- Short code
- CATHTIP
- Synonyms
- Bacteria Cath Tip Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, screw-capped, leak-proof container without preservatives; do not use formalin or saline
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- culture
- CPT
- 87070
- SNOMED
- 399269003
- Specimen volume
- Entire catheter tip (minimum 3-5 cm of distal catheter segment)
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory immediately at room temperature (15-25°C). Process within 2 hours of collection. If delay anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours; however, immediate processing is preferred for optimal pathogen recovery, particularly for fastidious organisms.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test, and what does it measure or look for in my body?
The Catheter Tip Culture test is a laboratory test that detects and identifies bacteria growing on the tip of a catheter. When a catheter is removed from a patient, the tip is sent to a microbiology laboratory where it is cultured to see if bacteria are present. If bacteria are found, further testing identifies the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.
How is this test performed, and what can I expect during the collection procedure?
When your healthcare provider removes a catheter (such as a central venous catheter or urinary catheter), the tip is carefully cut and placed in a sterile container. This sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is cultured over several days to allow any bacteria present to grow. If growth occurs, the bacteria are identified using various laboratory techniques.
Why might my doctor order this test for me, and what conditions can it help detect or monitor?
This test is typically ordered when a patient with a catheter shows signs of infection, such as fever, chills, redness or drainage at the catheter site, or general signs of systemic infection. It helps doctors determine whether the catheter itself is the source of the infection, which is crucial for proper treatment decisions.
What do my test results mean, and what should I discuss with my healthcare provider after receiving them?
A negative result means no bacteria were found on the catheter tip, suggesting the catheter is likely not the source of infection. A positive result indicates bacteria are growing from the catheter tip, confirming a catheter-related infection. The specific bacteria identified will help your doctor choose the most effective antibiotic treatment.
Reference range
No growth of pathogenic bacteria (negative). Catheter tip colonization is defined as ≥15 CFU by semi-quantitative roll-plate method or ≥10² CFU by quantitative sonication method in absence of concomitant bacteremia.N/A
Disinfect catheter insertion site with chlorhexidine or alcohol before removal. Remove catheter using sterile technique and immediately place tip (3-5 cm distal segment) in sterile transport container. Do not culture catheter tips that have been in place less than 24 hours. Discontinue antibiotics at least 48-72 hours prior to culture when feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Catheter tip culture is essential for diagnosing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). These infections are common complications in patients with indwelling catheters, particularly in intensive care units. Identifying the specific bacteria helps guide targeted antibiotic therapy and determines whether the catheter needs to be removed. This test is also important for infection control and preventing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in healthcare settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does the test hurt?
How long does it take to get results?
What happens if the test is positive?
Who is at risk for catheter-related infections?
Can I still use my catheter if the test is pending?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy